@article{58542,
abstract = {{Abstract
Background
The majority of mini-grids in Tanzania are managed by private entities, faith-based institutions, and the government. In contrast, a limited number of mini-grids under community management strive to survive. Although the concept of “sense of ownership” is considered crucial for mini-grid sustainability in developing countries, there is limited theoretical exploration of the factors that drive this concept and its effects on community mini-grid management. This paper assesses the relationship between the sense of ownership among electricity users and the effective management of two solar community-based mini-grids with different sustainability experience.
Results
A sense of ownership plays a role in establishing the decision-making process of mini-grids among village energy committee members toward sustainable or unsustainable management. The mechanisms behind the sense of ownership among community members toward managing mini-grids are largely expedited by the strong leadership of village energy committee members, community participation in decision-making and resource mobilisation, especially in the preparation, design and implementation phases of mini-grids.
Conclusions
A sense of ownership is found to influence the effective management of community mini-grids in Tanzania. When designing mini-grid project policies and programs that target respective communities as prospective owners, energy practitioners and policy-makers should consider creating an environment that nurtures a sense of ownership.
}},
author = {{Ngoti, Irene F.}},
issn = {{2192-0567}},
journal = {{Energy, Sustainability and Society}},
number = {{1}},
publisher = {{Springer Science and Business Media LLC}},
title = {{{The role of sense of ownership in rural community mini-grid management: qualitative case study from Tanzania}}},
doi = {{10.1186/s13705-024-00496-7}},
volume = {{14}},
year = {{2024}},
}