Abstract:
The energy-gender nexus is a topical issue that has gained traction among researchers
and policymakers. Access to clean energy and gender equality are two of the most
crucial sustainable development goals (SDGs) that affect households directly.
Notwithstanding this, the gendered analysis of multidimensional energy poverty has
been minimal in the empirical literature. Using the 2015/16 Botswana multi-topic
household survey, this study investigates the gendered dimensions of energy poverty in
Botswana, emphasising the disparities in energy access and affordability between male
and female-headed households. We employed the Alkire-Foster (AF) methodology to
compute our aggregate multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI). Overall, we
find that in Botswana, the gender gaps in multidimensional energy poverty levels are
more than 10% for the poverty incidence and adjusted headcount ratio. This suggests
that energy poverty in Botswana seems to be feminised. However, the gender gap in
the intensity of multidimensional energy poverty is lower than 3% in favour of femaleheaded
households. Finally, substantial gender gaps exist across household demographic
characteristics, human capital, economic variables, and geography. The findings suggest
that while Botswana has made significant progress in promoting renewable energy
access through initiatives such as the Photovoltaic Rural Electrification Programme,
gender-specific barriers remain. The study recommends enhanced policies that integrate
gender considerations to foster equitable energy solutions, ensuring that all households,
irrespective of the gender of the household head, can thrive in a sustainable and energy secure environment.
Description:
The series comprises of papers which reflect work in progress or limited research efforts, which may be of interest to researchers and policy makers, or of a public education character. Working papers may already have been published elsewhere or may appear in other publications.
