Abstract
The recent literature regarding the impact of electricity on rural households emphasizes the importance of labor market and human capital transmission channels. Throughout the chapter, it is argued that an important vehicle through which the benefits of electricity materialize is through their effects on the empowerment of women within households and within their communities. Analysis of the currently available evidence suggests that while access to electricity is necessary to support local economic development and stimulate a more inclusive labor market, it is however not sufficient. Complementary policies adapted to the specific needs of rural household economies must accompany access to affordable and reliable forms of modern energy.
This work was supported by the Chaire Energy and Prosperity, hosted by Institut Louis Bachelier, Paris
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Responsible Section Editor: Mathilde Maurel. The article has benefitted from valuable comments of the editors and anonymous referees. Support by the Chaire Energy and Prosperity, hosted by Institut Louis Bachelier (Paris) is gratefully noted. There is no conflict of interest.
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Saurel, C., Tritah, A. (2023). Energy Access and Rural Household Well-Being. In: Zimmermann, K.F. (eds) Handbook of Labor, Human Resources and Population Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57365-6_260-1
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