A Rapid Rural Appraisal of Energy Access in Cambodia

This thesis develops a set of methods for assessing rural energy access. The proposed strategy is intended to facilitate decision-making in conditions of poverty by judiciously combining both quantitative and qualitative styles of assessment. As such, this research evaluates the respective strengths of the two approaches, finding ground for their synthesis and mutual benefit. These methodological findings are demonstrated via an appraisal of energy access in several villages in Cambodia.

Underlying the following study of methods is the theory of energy access. The theory posits that if poor people can access energy then they will have the capabilities to satisfy their basic needs, contribute to an economy and otherwise promote the development that will let them escape poverty. This project has conclusions about what aspects of energy access are most significant, but more substantially, these conclusions are upon meaningful ways in which to measure that access. Particularly, the main thrust of the argument is that contemporary, predominantly quantitative, measures miss out on some of the vital issues within energy access that make it such a helpful theme when considering poverty.

Data for this PhD was gathered in Cambodia over a period of five months. The actual research methods were mainly interviews in a style akin to a Rapid Rural Appraisal. This generated a protocol for effective and efficient – but brief – rural studies into energy access. Consequently, the thesis’ contribution is the appraisal tool and frameworks which support it.