Learning from the Ground Up: Community Energy Stories from Malawi

Community engagement and realistic expectation-setting are key to the success of electrification projects, as demonstrated by two case studies from Malawi. The Mulanje Electricity Generation Agency Ltd (MEGA), covering over 2000 households in the Mulanje Massif, highlights how conservation concerns can drive sustainable energy development when community involvement is prioritized. Meanwhile, the Chipopoma Power Project, serving 120 households in Manchewe, showcases the potential of harnessing local knowledge and heterogeneous technologies to build and sustain small-scale energy solutions. Both projects underscore the importance of learning from on-the-ground experiences to shape effective, community-driven energy transitions.

Kadziponye, A., & Sailence, J. (2024). Learning from the Ground Up: Community Energy Stories from Malawi. Community Energy and Sustainable Energy Transitions, 221–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57938-7_10