Gender and the Energy Poverty Conundrum in Peri- Urban Space Satellite Spaces of Zimbabwe

This study project examines the gender, energy, poverty nexus in peri urban settings based on the case of Epworth, a satellite settlement of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Low-income households and mostly women are at the receiving ends of energy poverty and the gender dimension to this crisis. Thus, the study takes a course that primarily focuses on people‘s social constructions of energy and poverty and the impact it has on their socio –economic and political status. The study mainly examines gender equality as a key variable in the success or failure of energy interventions. It assesses on how improved access to energy is a key variable in women‘s/gender empowerment, who makes the decisions about energy within the household, and who benefits, how do women cope with their energy problems and how gender mainstreaming influences policy-making to ensure participation of women in the production and distribution of energy. The study is mainly based on a qualitative research approach in that the case and narrative study the core research design approaches. Specific data collection tools included extensive documentary analysis (reports, policy and legislative documents); household survey (involving 5 conveniently selected households, from Epworth, in that a semi-structured questionnaire has been used). It also used a focus group discussion of 10 participants from the Epworth Community and two key informant interviews with purposefully selected officials (from Epworth Local Board and the Ministry of Environment). It is noted that the community has suffered from the socio-economic and environmental pressures surrounding them. These pressures are perpetuated by aspects including history of the place, income levels among the peri-urban dwellers, lack of defined and clear-cut policies and commitment by institutions towards the creation of sustainable livelihoods. The study recommends inclusion and participation of community members in development projects and local and national policy formulation and implementation.