Technology extension for electrification in rural areas

The electrification of rural areas is a process that has the ability to allow isolated populations to meet their basic needs and promote their development. For this activity to have the necessary impact, the use of new technology that can be transmitted is required. In this aspect, a method of technological transmission is the technology extension, which has been allowing users to access and incorporate know-how, procedures, techniques and technologies to their lives. This paper presents a study of the assessment on impact, sustainability and replicability of the implementation of a development project through the use of technological extension for rural electrification. The methodology to develop this paper includes a review of literature references related to technological extension, development projects with technological component and unsatisfied basic needs. The methodology also demanded to research case study (qualitative), which contemplates the use of in-depth interviews to both the project managers and the distributors of technology, surveys to the most underprivileged inhabitants of the target populations, and estimations of CO2 reduction. The qualitative case study method, using critical case sampling, has shown the positive changes generated by this project in Peruvian rural areas. Regarding sustainability, an increased comfort within the community was registered, which permits to keep purchasing the product in the long term. On the side of replicability, it was noted that zero maintenance cost of the product during its five - year lifetime is a convincing factor that facilitates the decision process to purchase the product. By the looks of the impact, there was an elimination of more than 40,000 kg of CO2 in five years of the implementation of the project, which is a benefit both for the improvement of air quality in the homes and for the reduction of greenhouse gases. Based on the results' analysis, it can be inferred that the PicoFV panels are suitable products to achieve the development of populations in poverty; it can further be inferred that they can be expanded and implemented through technological extension in other similar areas in Peru. Therefore, a suitable combination between technology extension and a focus on development, liberties, capabilities and / or unsatisfied basic needs can achieve the efficient implementation of development projects.