Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Grid Electricity Access Among Rural Households in Uganda
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Date
2023
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Makerere University Business School
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the socio-economic factors influencing access to grid electricity among rural households in Uganda. Specifically, the study was guided by four objectives, which is to: (i) examine the relationship between initial grid connection cost and grid electricity access, (ii) establish the relationship between household income and grid electricity access, (iii) examine the relationship between education attainment and grid electricity access
and, (iv) examine the relationship between reliability of grid electricity and grid electricity access. The study used the 2019-2020 Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS 2019/2020) data collected by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) with a total sample of 13,732
randomly selected households covering 149 districts across 15 sub-regions of Uganda, but only 10,126 rural households were observed. The study employed quantitative research approaches, and a logistic regression model was used for estimation. All the analysis was done using STATA software.
The study finds that initial electricity connection cost has a positive relationship with rural households' non-access to grid electricity. This suggests that an increase in initial electricity connection cost increases the likelihood of non-access to grid electricity by rural households. Similarly, grid reliability has a positive correlation with non-access to grid electricity. Suggesting that the non-reliability of grid electricity supply increases the probability of non-access to grid
electricity by households. However, household income and education attainment of household heads have a negative relationship with non-access to grid electricity. Implying that an increase in household income and education attainment reduces the likelihood of non-access to grid electricity by rural households.
In conclusion, the findings suggest that initial electricity connection cost, grid reliability, household income and education attainment are crucial for enhancing grid electricity by rural households. Therefore, the study recommends that the government of Uganda, and the private sector should invest in grid reliability, enhance income-generating opportunities for rural households and increase awareness campaigns emphasising the advantages of grid electricity
over conventional energy sources. Future studies could consider examining how each of the variables affects grid electricity in rural-urban residences and how these effects change over time.
Description
Research Dissertation Submitted to Makerere University Business School (Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research) in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Economics and Governance of Makerere University. (Plan A).
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Citation
Herbert, M. (2023) Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Grid Electricity Access Among Rural Households in Uganda. Unpublished Masters Dissertation Makerere University Business School. Kampala, Uganda.