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Are technological projects reducing social inequalities and improving people's well-being? A capability approach analysis of renewable energy-based electrification projects in Cajamarca, Peru

Author

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  • �lvaro Fern�ndez-Baldor
  • Alejandra Boni
  • Pau Lillo
  • Andr�s Hueso

Abstract

This paper analyses four renewable energy-based electrification projects that were implemented by the non-governmental organization Practical Action in the rural area of Cajamarca, Peru. Using the capability approach, the research examines the effect of the projects on the things people value. It confirms that projects provide different benefits to the communities (reducing air pollution caused by candles and kerosene, improving access to communication through television and radio, providing the possibility of night study under appropriate light, etc.), but also detects an expansion of the capabilities in other areas not considered by the non-governmental organization such as those related to religion, leisure or community participation. However, the expansion of capabilities is different for men and women. The study reveals the limitations of interventions designed to supply technology, electrification in this particular case, which do not take into account certain elements that can make the use of technology contribute unequally to the expansion of people's capabilities. The paper concludes that technological projects can generate inequalities, and some recommendations are presented in order to address these issues when planning interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • �lvaro Fern�ndez-Baldor & Alejandra Boni & Pau Lillo & Andr�s Hueso, 2014. "Are technological projects reducing social inequalities and improving people's well-being? A capability approach analysis of renewable energy-based electrification projects in Cajamarca, Peru," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(1), pages 13-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jhudca:v:15:y:2014:i:1:p:13-27
    DOI: 10.1080/19452829.2013.837035
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Domenech, B. & Ferrer-Martí, L. & Pastor, R., 2015. "Hierarchical methodology to optimize the design of stand-alone electrification systems for rural communities considering technical and social criteria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 182-196.
    2. Small, Sarah F. & van der Meulen Rodgers, Yana, 2023. "The gendered effects of investing in physical and social infrastructure," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    3. Bipasha Baruah, 2017. "Renewable inequity? Women's employment in clean energy in industrialized, emerging and developing economies," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 41(1), pages 18-29, February.
    4. Adam X. Hearn & Raul Castaño-Rosa, 2021. "Towards a Just Energy Transition, Barriers and Opportunities for Positive Energy District Creation in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-18, August.
    5. Phuc Phan & Martin O’Brien, 2019. "Multidimensional Wellbeing Inequality in a Developing Country: A Case Study of Vietnam," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 145(1), pages 157-183, August.
    6. Ribó-Pérez, David & Bastida-Molina, Paula & Gómez-Navarro, Tomás & Hurtado-Pérez, Elías, 2020. "Hybrid assessment for a hybrid microgrid: A novel methodology to critically analyse generation technologies for hybrid microgrids," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 874-887.
    7. Xinfang Wang & Rosie Day & Dan Murrant & Antonio Diego Marín & David Castrejón Botello & Francisco López González & Jonathan Radcliffe, 2021. "A Capabilities-Led Approach to Assessing Technological Solutions for a Rural Community," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-21, March.

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