Gender Inclusion and Rural Electrification in Nigeria: Lessons from Solar Mini-Grid Impact Studies

Introduction

Access to reliable electricity has far-reaching implications for gender equity in rural Nigeria. Evidence from open-access research on solar mini-grids in rural Africa — including Nigerian communities — shows that electrification can help improve educational opportunities, livelihoods, health outcomes, and gender participation in economic activities. This article summarises key findings from an open-access preprint focusing on how rural solar mini-grid deployment correlates with social and economic impacts, including gender inclusion.

Background

Solar mini-grids are increasingly deployed in rural African settings to provide decentralized energy access where grid extension is not feasible. Beyond technical and economic impacts, researchers are now examining socio-economic outcomes, including how electrification affects gender roles, income generation, and participation in community decision-making. The referenced preprint analysed data from rural mini-grid users in Nigeria and Kenya, focusing on changes in livelihoods and social outcomes following grid connection. Although the research covers broader regions, its findings are directly relevant to Nigeria’s rural electrification efforts.

Key Findings on Gender and Socio-Economic Inclusion

Improvements in Economic Opportunity for Women

The study reports that households connected to solar mini-grids experienced increases in economic activities, including for women who engaged in local enterprises. Women gained more opportunities in informal trading, light manufacturing, and service provision after electrification.

Enhanced Decision-Making Roles

In several communities, solar mini-grids contributed to increased female participation in household and community decisions related to energy use, business planning, and investment priorities. This expanded role reflects broader socio-economic shifts following access to reliable energy.

Health and Safety Gains

Electrification reduced reliance on kerosene lamps and other polluting sources, which disproportionately affect women and children through indoor air pollution and fire risks. Improved health outcomes enabled women to allocate time to other productive activities.

Relevance to Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Strategy

Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Strategy increasingly emphasises decentralized solutions such as solar mini-grids to achieve universal access. Ensuring that electrification efforts are gender-responsive can help maximise social impact by: Supporting women-led businesses and income activities Increasing female representation in community energy governance Enabling safer, healthier home environments Reducing time burdens through access to electric lighting and appliances While the referenced study is regional, similar demographic and socio-economic dynamics make its implications highly relevant to Nigeria’s rural energy planning.

Challenges and Considerations

Although electrification has positive correlations with gender inclusion, several challenges remain: Persistent social norms may limit full economic participation of women even after electrification. Credit access remains a barrier for women entrepreneurs seeking to expand energy-dependent businesses. Training and capacity building are needed to ensure women can engage in technical and managerial roles in mini-grid operations. Addressing these challenges requires integrated policies that link energy access with gender empowerment programmes.

Recommendations

Integrate gender impact metrics into rural electrification monitoring frameworks. Design inclusive financing schemes to support women-owned energy enterprises. Provide technical training to women on energy system operation and maintenance. Partner with NGOs and community groups to ensure equitable benefits from mini-grid projects.

Further Reading

Carabajal, A.T., Orsot, A., Elimbi Moudio, M.P., et al. (2024). Social and Economic Impact Analysis of Solar Mini-Grids in Rural Africa: A Cohort Study from Kenya and Nigeria.

Attribution and Licence

This article summarises material from an openly accessible preprint, used in accordance with its public access policy. Attribution to the original authors is given as required.