The Amhara Region's Rural Electrification Projects: Effectiveness, Challenges, and Rural Transformation Implications

Abstract

This study's major objective is to investigate how well rural electrification initiatives are working, what obstacles they face during implementation, and what effects they have on rural transformation in the Amhara region. There were both quantitative and qualitative research methods applied. The format of the data collection tool included closed-ended survey surveys. 386 people were included in the sample using a straightforward random sampling methodology. This conclusion showed that rural electrification projects are not being implement ted with high levels of effectiveness. The research also revealed that the high cost of wire materials used in rural electrification projects, the high connection fee for using it, the occasionally rising cost per unit of energy, and the complexity of bill payment methods are the main implementation obstacles for these programs. The study also demonstrates that household food security, productivity, and employment prospects have all improved as a result of rural electrification projects' impact on rural transformation initiatives (on the rural household economy). As a result, the research advises that the government should keep an eye on and assess the project's progress at all times and work with consultants, contractors, and project managers to address any problems that arise.