Abstract
Renewable energy (RE) production promotes the efficient and sustainable utilization of natural resources at the local level. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ perceptions of RE production in two villages in West Bengal, India. The availability and potential of renewable resources and livelihood characteristics of smallholders were explored. Relevant factors for the selection of appropriate RE technologies were identified, based on the participatory, bottom-up Integrated Renewable Energy Potential Assessment. The research area has abundant solar resources and substantial amounts of organic residues and waste suitable for biodigestion. Important factors for RE technology selection, as stated by farmers, are: ease of daily activities, government support, and limited land requirements. Solar-photovoltaic (PV) systems providing sufficient electricity for household use and irrigation are considered the most appropriate. Key informants focus on initial investment costs, government support, and reduced energy expenditure. They favor solar-PV systems for household electrification. Second choice was an integrated food and energy system that combines solar-PV for irrigation and vermicomposting of organic residues/wastes for fertilizer production. Smallholder famers’ motivation to produce and use RE is high. Their perspective should be integrated in the design of RE-supporting policies and related programs to utilize local natural resources effectively and promote the transition towards renewable energy.
Highlights
Affordable renewable energy (RE) and higher energy efficiency are the key drivers for a global transition towards sustainable, low-carbon energy systems, as postulated at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) [1]
This study explores locally relevant social, institutional, environmental, technical, and economic factors for the selection and design of appropriate renewable energy technologies (RET) for smallholder farming households in two rural villages in West Bengal, applying the participatory, bottom-up Integrated Renewable Energy Potential Assessment (IREPA) [20]
Older farmers reported declining soil fertility attributed to high cropping intensity
Summary
The highest renewable energy potentials (REP) exist in rural areas of Latin America, Asia, and Africa [2]. In these areas, smallholder farmers typically manage 80% of the land area and natural resources [3], while access to modern and clean energy is often limited [4]. RET selection factors and pre-selected RETApplication of AHP and SMART with seven previously interviewed farmers from Ghoragachhafive key informants (BDO, ADO, two Ph.D. students, M.Sc. student). The information was cross-checked and triangulated with data from secondary sources listed in Table 2 and the key informants from BCKV. These are influenced by the external environment, which in turn affects the wider availability of assets, and circumstances people have to cope with, such as natural disasters, financial crises, seasonality, and others (Vulnerability Context); institutions, organizations, policies, and legislation (Transforming Structures and Processes); and the strategies adopted to achieve certain Livelihood Outcomes (Livelihood Strategies) [34]
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