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The Energy Poverty Status of Off-Grid Rural Households: A Case of the Upper Blinkwater Community in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Mahali Elizabeth Lesala, Ngwarai Shambira, Golden Makaka, Patrick Mukumba · 2023 · Energies

Summary. This study measures energy poverty among off-grid rural households in South Africa's Eastern Cape, analyzing 53 households using expenditure-based poverty metrics. Researchers found that 15% experience severe energy poverty and 22% face moderate vulnerability, despite using diverse energy sources like firewood, paraffin, and generators. Male-headed households, larger families, and those receiving social grants showed different poverty patterns. The findings show energy poverty stems from social, economic, and cultural factors beyond simple lack of electricity access.

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Lesala, M. E., Shambira, N., Makaka, G., & Mukumba, P.. (2023). The Energy Poverty Status of Off-Grid Rural Households: A Case of the Upper Blinkwater Community in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Energies. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237772

Details

DOI
10.3390/en16237772
Countries
South Africa
Regions
Africa
Categories
energy, rural-data-and-definitions
Added
2026-04-28