Increasing sustainability of rural community electricity schemes – case study of small hydropower in Tanzania

Local small scale hydropower resources can play an important role in providing electricity to rural areas in Africa, in particular those areas remote from the national grid. The large knowledge base on technical aspects of small hydropower indicates a proper understanding of the technology involved. However, at the same time the number of hydro projects implemented does not reflect the enormous potential that exists in Africa, suggesting other barriers than the technology itself are still persistent. Studies on rural electrification conclude that technology issues are only part of the reason why energy access is still very low in certain areas. The way new (energy) technology is introduced in rural areas and the systems set up for operation and maintenance are equally important. Next to a conducive environment at national level with relevant regulatory, legislative and financial frameworks in place, emphasis needs to be put on the institutional design and practices incorporated. To evaluate the role of institutional and management arrangements and practices adopted by developers on the sustainability of these systems, the research uses off-grid hydro schemes in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania as case studies. The article describes the contribution of financial, social and technical aspects to the sustainability of the isolated power schemes. Based on the case studies conclusions are drawn towards methods that will increase the sustainability of hydro systems.