{Off-grid electricity interventions for cleaner livelihoods: A case study of value chain development in Dhenkanal district of Odisha}

Submitted by admin on April 4, 2017 - 9:20am

Title	{Off-grid electricity interventions for cleaner livelihoods: A case study of value chain development in Dhenkanal district of Odisha}
Publication Type	Journal Article
Year of Publication	2017
Authors	Narula SA, Bhattacharyya S
Journal	Journal of Cleaner Production
ISSN	09596526
ISBN Number	09596526
Keywords	Livelihood, Odisha, Off-grid electrification, Value chain
Abstract	Lack of access to electricity in rural areas hinders productive activities, which in turn affects sustainable rural development. Off-grid electrification options can offer an alternative but in order to develop productive uses of electricity in off-grid area, a detailed study of livelihoods and potential areas for improvement in the value chain is required. This paper reports such a study where a livelihood baseline survey was undertaken in a cluster of five remote off-grid villages in Dhenkanal district of Odisha (India) and through a series of interviews, focused group meetings and stakeholder interactions, the study finds that value-added services can be developed through an off-grid electrification intervention. Electrification can support productive activities, thereby offering an opportunity for improved income generation and a better quality of life and a transition to cleaner energy sources. The study provides a novel value chain framework for linking off-grid projects with local livelihoods replicable across multiple geographies ensuring sustainability of these projects.
DOI	10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.176