Solar Electrification & Education Attainment: A Case Study of Rural Bajaur Agency, Pakistan

Abstract

This paper intended to examine the impact of solar electrification on education attainment in rural areas of Bajaur Agency. The household survey was conducted by using a recall method for collecting the primary data through structured questionnaire. The data was analysed through regression model as well as through descriptive statistics. The solar energy has provided direct and indirect benefits to the plotted households in the study area of Bajaur Agency, Pakistan. The result reveals that, the study hours of students had increased after the installation of solar energy system. There was significant improvement in social activities which were earlier limited to day time. Moreover, a slight increase in income activities was also noticed due to increase in working hours. Thus, solar energy has improved the study hours and had a direct impact on human capital of the rural households. So, it is viable system and should be extended to such other inaccessible communities.