Electrification, Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation: Examining the Role of Macro-factors in Sri Lanka
Abstract
Access to modern energy services is central to enhancing rural incomes, reducing
poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals; however, it is not sufficient
in and of itself (Barnes 1988; Barnes & Floor 1996; Barnes & Foley 2003; Bose 1993;
Cabraal et al 2005; Department for International Development 2002; Modi et al 2006;
Saghir 2005; The World Bank 2001; The World Bank Group 2004; UN-Energy 2005;
United Nations Development Program 2006). Energy services need to be integrated into a
broader development program that also delivers other rural development services such as
agricultural improvement technologies, healthcare and education, in order to play a
transformative role in the economy of the rural poor. In recognition of this, the focus in
development agencies is on enhancing the productive uses of energy (Cabraal et al 2005;
Energy Sector Management Assistance Program 2005; Kapadia 2003).