Socio-Economic Impact of Andikhola Hydropower of the Local Community of Syangja District

Abstract

Hydropower plants have become an important source of renewable energy for the rural poor. This research papers assesses, using ethnographic methodology, how electricity from Andikhola hydro impacted the socio-economic condition, changes the life-habits of the rural poor, and explores what kinds of new enterprises have been established since the plants were established. In addition to this the research has explored the sustainability practices that have been applied by the organization till the date. Cross-sectional research design was used to collect information with a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. Among the 601 households of Galyang bazar, 61 households were selected using simple random sampling method due to the homogenous character of the population. Household survey was conducted with structured questionnaire to find out about the changes in life-habits and impact on entrepreneurship brought by the hydro electricity. And the KII was conducted with a mayor, hydro administrative officer, and a local teacher for finding out about the efforts for sustainability of the project. Results revealed that the village electrification had brought positive changes in the rural livelihoods in terms of reducing hardships, providing learning opportunities, changes in behavior, along with establishment of a number of enterprises. It also reduces the drudgery especially for women as they no longer had to fetch water from far for drinking water and irrigation. Electric lights in households extended additional hours for evening reading and work which positively impacted on the education and more income. The use of communication networks like television, mobile, internet, laptop, and radio have improved the life habits of the community people. The hydro electricity based industries were established to some extent providing employment opportunity and increasing income of households through higher productivity. Thus, these kinds of small hydro schemes provide clean, affordable and sustainable renewable energy both locally and globally as well as aid in the development of the community by decreasing hardships and fostering growth of enterprises.