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Building Resilience in Low-Income Communities – The Role of Off-Grid Appliances

This report examines community resilience in the context of climate change, focusing on the role of off-grid solar products and equipment in supporting low-income communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Energy-efficient off-grid appliances are crucial in addressing climate change and promoting resilience and adaptation, particularly for rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. These communities often face the brunt of weather-related disasters and have limited access to resources and infrastructure for coping.

To tackle this challenge, Efficiency for Access commissioned Rural Senses to gather insights from the community in Siaya County, Kenya. The objective was to understand their perceptions of climate change challenges and identify pathways to enhance resilience. The study also delved into the role of seven off-grid solar products and equipment, such as electric pressure cookers, fans, motorbikes, refrigerators, televisions, water pumps, grain mills, and solar PV systems, in building resilience.

Read the full report to learn more about the community’s primary concerns regarding climate events, existing barriers to resilience-building, the potential of off-grid appliances, and suggested pathways for fostering resilience.