Impact of Rural and Urban Electricity Access on Economic Growth in Zimbabwe

Authors

  • Simbarashe Mhaka Nelson Mandela University
  • Raynold Runganga University of Zimbabwe
  • David T. Nyagweta Nelson Mandela University
  • Nyasha Kaseke University of Zimbabwe
  • Syden Mishi Nelson Mandela University

Abstract

Lack of access to reliable electricity to both rural and urban Zimbabweans is negatively affecting the quality of people's life. The country has been experiencing extended hours of load shedding which result in the population having more hours without electricity per day than with electricity. Access to electricity complimented by droughts, natural disasters has impacted on production activities for the people hence causing poverty to many. The study used time series data for the period 1992-2018.  The Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) was used as the main model of assess electricity access on economic growth. The results reveals that electricity access to urban population and electricity access to population (EAP) have positive significant impact on economic growth. However, electricity access to rural population was found to be statistically insignificant reflecting that electricity is not always available when it is needed in the rural areas. The study recommends that there is need to improve electricity access for both urban and rural population through on-grid and off-grid systems and expanded electricity generation to meet demand. This will improve socio-economic activities people would be able to carry out productive activities such as irrigation, processing and manufacturing or value addition of certain agriculture out.Keywords: Urban electricity access, rural electricity access, Economic Growth.JEL Classifications: C32, R11, E24DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.10141

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Author Biographies

Simbarashe Mhaka, Nelson Mandela University

Department of Economics, Student

Raynold Runganga, University of Zimbabwe

Department of Economics, Student

David T. Nyagweta, Nelson Mandela University

Department of economics, Student

Nyasha Kaseke, University of Zimbabwe

Department of Economics

Syden Mishi, Nelson Mandela University

Department of Economics, Proffessor

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Published

2020-10-10

How to Cite

Mhaka, S., Runganga, R., Nyagweta, D. T., Kaseke, N., & Mishi, S. (2020). Impact of Rural and Urban Electricity Access on Economic Growth in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 10(6), 427–434. Retrieved from https://econjournals.com/index.php/ijeep/article/view/10141

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