Behavioral savings sessions increase the pursuit of solar products among refugees in Uganda

Elven, Sarah, Castañeda Núñez, Jorge Luis, de Martino, Samantha, Dugas, Michelle and Kundu, Sayan (2025) Behavioral savings sessions increase the pursuit of solar products among refugees in Uganda. npj Climate Action, 4 (1). ISSN 2731-9814

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Abstract

De facto exclusion of vulnerable populations from markets for energy-efficient technologies can result in multiple barriers to access. For example, exclusion can lead to limited knowledge about available products, an inability to distinguish high-quality from low-quality devices, and limited options for financing, making products seem unobtainable. However, behaviorally informed interventions can offer promising solutions in such contexts, even where exclusion is the result of structural causes. This paper uses a randomized control trial to consider the potential of such interventions for refugees in Uganda in the context of certified solar markets. We evaluate a behaviorally-informed information and savings session embedded in Village Savings and Lending Association (VSLA) meetings, finding evidence for increased pursuit of certified solar products in the treatment group two months later. Results manifest through the barriers described, with increased knowledge, trust in solar companies, financial inclusion through savings group support, and aspirations mediating effects.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The World Bank
Divisions:	Grantham Research Institute
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences T Technology
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2025 15:06
Last Modified:	10 Apr 2025 13:06
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127200

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