Ongoing Project
Migration driven by electrification
The impact of renewable energy on growth dynamics of rural areas in developing countries
Rural exodus is a common phenomenon around the globe. Being a "normal" or even desired process in developed countries, it often is a problem in developing countries. For the most part, the city´s infrastructure is not capable to accomodate large numbers of migrants from rural areas in to their urban counterparts. And rural areas, which already lack young and qualified people, are left and productive land is abandoned.
Several projects by local governments, international donors and development agencies are targeting the poor energy situation in rural areas in order to eliminate poverty and to enhance living conditions. It is assumed that an area with electricity supply is more attractive to people who, as a result migrate there in order to take advantage of the available energy services. On the other hand, electricity helps people to communicate more easily and, as a result, may lead to an increased spatial mobility.
The research project aims, firstly, at analysing the impacts of rural electrification within a comprehensive livelihood framework and, secondly, at pointing out migration patterns.