Assessing the sustainability of the BID-FERUM II rural electrification programme in Ecuador: A multidimensional approach

Abstract

Rural electrification programmes in developing countries encounter significant challenges, even as energy access rates continue to improve. Sustainable development within these rural communities transcends technology; it requires a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between energy, institutions, and residents. This paper presents an evaluation framework that builds upon existing literature to address the lack of standardised procedures for assessing sustainability in this field. The BID-FERUM II programme in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, is assessed using a multidimensional sustainability framework considering five dimensions: technical, economic, social, environmental, and institutional, along with 22 indicators. The evaluation methodology integrates document analysis, on-site survey-based data collection, and semi-structured interviews, yielding valuable outcomes for the case study. Although the programme has successfully provided electricity to the community, the analysis highlights the need for institutional reforms to improve guidelines and support wider social and economic development. The findings stress the importance of robust evaluation frameworks for rural electrification projects and call for institutional changes in Ecuador to help achieve sustainable development. These changes will maximise the benefits of Sustainable Development Goal 7 and create a more conducive environment for sustainable rural electrification.