Integration of Systemic and Participatory Approaches in Decision-Making for the Achievement of SDG 7 in Rural Areas

Introduction

In 2015, the United Nations issued the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and formulated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This agenda comprises 17 goals to transform the world, creating a route that allows for global sustainable development by 2030, under the vision of ‘leaving no one behind’ ¹. One of these goals, SDG7, focuses on universal access to modern, reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy ². Herein lies the fundamental challenge of policy formulation and the energy trilemma ^3)-(7.

However, an assessment of the global monitoring framework shows that indicators in rural areas are lower than the proposed targets ^{4), (8), (9}. Global access to electricity in rural areas has increased significantly in recent decades, but this number is still too low for achieving the 2030 target ¹⁰. 14% of the world's population, about 800 million people, live in areas with no access to modern energy systems. About 84% of these people live in rural areas, and more than 95% of people without electricity live in countries in Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and developing Asia. In addition, many of those who have access to electricity receive a poor-quality service and are therefore unable to reap the socioeconomic benefits and well-being levels that electricity service can provide ¹⁰, ¹¹.

Users in rural areas are heterogeneous, and, in some cases, may act contrary to the community's expectations and concerns regarding their electrification system. In order to improve their well-being, electrification projects should consider innovation processes for energy solutions that involve collective participation and respect for the environment, which are two characteristic elements of the Sumak Kawsay vision (or ‘Good living’) ¹², ¹³. Furthermore, the role of technology in development, local empowerment (key to well-being) ¹⁴, responsible welfare (where the personal, social, and environmental converge under a new prism) ¹⁵, and people's realities must be taken into account in order to meet their needs ¹⁶.

This study is motivated by the critical need to transition from traditional technocratic approaches to holistic and contextual frameworks in the field of rural electrification. Conventional models often fragment planning and implementation processes, failing to account for the complexities and interdependencies inherent in rural contexts, particularly in developing regions such as Latin America. This integrative work proposes a collaborative methodology that combines several approaches into a cohesive operational framework, aiming to facilitate a more adaptive rural energy planning strategy. In the literature, ¹⁷ highlight the need for comprehensive rural electrification policies that address energy supply while incorporating social, economic, and environmental considerations. They argue that fragmented strategies result in inadequate implementation and overlook vital local needs. Thus, integrating diverse perspectives through a holistic framework is paramount.

The work of ¹⁸ illustrates the impact of photovoltaic (PV) systems on isolated communities, demonstrating that a contextual understanding of energy solutions leads to more successful rural electrification practices. Their findings emphasize the importance of tailoring energy solutions to the unique socioeconomic contexts of communities and support the argument for a framework that can be adapted across various settings. This idea resonates with the studies conducted by ¹⁹, who advocate for the use of geographic information systems (GIS) as a method to locally assess rural electrification alternatives. This approach allows decision-makers to consider community-specific factors, such as geographic constraints and infrastructure availability, when planning energy interventions. By accounting for these local factors, a more integrated and sustainable energy approach can be established.

Furthermore, the need for context-aware methodologies is emphasized by the community-based solar mini-grid management frameworks discussed by ²⁰, who highlight the importance of effective management and community engagement, which are crucial for the sustainability of rural electrification projects. This example highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement and the necessity of community-centric strategies in energy planning.

A key point in discussions about holistic planning is the need to consider the socio-emotional impact of electrification on communities. ²¹ argue that sustainable electrification can transform the social and economic well-being of regions, such as Mixteca in Oaxaca, Mexico, by promoting inclusive development through multidimensional analyses incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. This type of analysis is essential for identifying the genuine needs of communities and developing targeted and effective interventions. Furthermore, the inclusion of participatory methodologies in planning is crucial. ²² propose the use of participatory rural appraisal (PRA), which allows community members to identify and prioritize their problems through a collaborative approach. This approach empowers citizens and ensures that the solutions adopted align with true local priorities, thereby improving the sustainability of electrification projects.

The study by ²³ emphasizes the importance of considering rural electrification within a wider context, where investments in renewable energy should be coupled with improvements in access to technology and infrastructure development. This interconnected approach suggests that electrification policies should be holistic and coordinated with other development initiatives in order to maximize their economic and social benefits.

The active participation of women in planning is another crucial element in achieving sustainable rural development and electrification. Studies such as ²⁴ highlight how gender barriers limit women's inclusion, although there have been improvements in their participation in community assemblies. Increasing female representation in planning decisions is not only a matter of equity; it also promotes a more comprehensive and diverse vision, which can lead to more sustainable solutions.

In addition, it is essential to create specific planning instruments that consider local realities. The work of ²⁵ in the Chorotega region of Costa Rica emphasizes the importance of designing territorial rural development plans (TRDPs) that cater to the unique characteristics and needs of each territory, thereby facilitating a tailored approach that enables a more targeted development, focused on people's well-being.

Synthesizing these insights, the proposed framework encompasses methods that combine participatory practices, contextual analysis, and integrative planning strategies, ensuring that the voices of rural populations inform the energy solutions they adopt. This multi-faceted approach aims to bridge the existing gap in rural electrification strategies, providing a replicable model that is adaptable to various cultural and geographical contexts, thus promoting long-term sustainability and resilience in energy access.

This article proposes the integration of systemic and participatory approaches into decision-making in order to facilitate access to electrification in rural areas. It is organized as follows. Section 2 discusses how the effective implementation of SDG7 in these areas can improve social, economic, and environmental conditions. Section 3 presents the key principles for rural electrification projects, i.e., cultural respect, community participation, and the integration of social and environmental factors to ensure sustainable implementation. Sections 4 and 5 introduce the proposed decision-making methodology for rural electrification, integrating systemic analysis, PAR, design thinking, and behavioral economics to address technical and socio-contextual complexities within a coherent operational framework. Section 6 describes the preliminary validation of the proposed model through participatory exercises and simulated scenarios, highlighting the social, technical, and behavioral findings that demonstrate its applicability and explanatory value. Finally, the conclusions of this work are presented in Section 7.

Sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda, and SDG7

The literature on the subject of sustainable development (SD) is both abundant and discordant ²⁶. The most commonly cited definition is that proposed by the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development, also known as the Bruntland Commission, in 1987 ¹⁰: “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

The concept of SD has acquired a deeper meaning with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda. Beyond the traditional focus on social inclusion, economic growth, and environmental protection, two essential components have been added: collective participation and peace ^{2), (27}. Moreover, the notion of integrated and holistic thinking is visibly entering the global policy discourse ^7).

The 2030 Agenda gives rise to the 17 SDGs, providing concrete form to the challenge of moving from an approach based on economic growth and income to a comprehensive approach that includes the multiple dimensions that influence people's progress ^{28), (29}. These goals represent humanity's consensus on the type of development that people want to reach, establishing a minimum of opportunities and well-being levels to which every human being is entitled and defining humanity's obligations to the planet and its future generations ³⁰. SDG7 plays an essential role in achieving all other SDGs; 125 of the 169 proposed targets are related to energy use ⁵.

Thus, the SDGs are not just items on a list; they represent a holistic approach to creating long-term solutions to structural gaps ² and addressing key systemic barriers to sustainable development, such as inequality, unsustainable production and consumption patterns, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of adequate jobs ^{5), (27), (31).}

Principles to be considered in rural electrification projects

There are diverse opinions on the different development models and the setbacks they have caused—in some cases, failures associated with technical assistance—, perceptible in the loss of identity and cultural values and the reduction of spaces for participation and democratic exercise ^{32), (33}. SD should take place within the framework of the search for sustainable societies, with freedom, participation, justice, and opportunities for human development, especially for the less privileged sectors of society ³⁴.

An integral vision of SD should test new models of interaction for the development and management of resources (e.g., electricity), combining technical expertise and the collaboration of academia while enriching and expanding social, cultural, and physical aspects, relying on the cultural richness of people, local citizen organization and participation, and decision-makers. Some of these assumptions are listed below.

Responsible well-being

The human development approach proposed by the United Nations emerges as an alternative to economic approaches that are overly concerned with the growth of the gross national product and the national income. It considers that the well-being of a society depends on the use of income and not on the level of income itself, that the expansion of production and wealth should be only a means, while the end of development should be human well-being ⁴².

The concept of responsible well-being is related to Sumak Kawsay, which should be a guide for analyzing the energy needs of households and communities ^{43) (44} proposed responsible well-being as a way to combine concepts of welfare and personal responsibility. This approach gives a prominent role to personal well-being and does not require an altruistic citizen behavior.

⁴³ delved deeper into the issue by examining responsible well-being in terms of energy consumption, employing Max-Neef’s energy threshold hypothesis in terms of economic growth and quality of life, where any consumption beyond a threshold is not responsible and does not improve individual well-being.

Three regions are identified in the curve in Fig. 1. Region 1 shows low levels of consumption, bounded by a minimum necessary consumption point. This level of consumption is a necessary but not sufficient condition for achieving welfare in the context of the 21st century. There is a strong increase in well-being in the poverty region related to the increase in consumption, an increase between 1 and 2 is 100%, but an increase from 0 to 1 is ∞ ⁴⁵. Region 2, or the responsible well-being region, contains levels of energy consumption that allow achieving individual welfare, but it does not extend to an excessive consumption that is likely to limit the ability of others to access a good quality of life, ultimately reducing individual well-being ^43). Finally, in region 3, which is characterized by the transgression of Manfred Max-Neef's threshold hypothesis, formulated from the perspective of ecological economics ⁴⁵, further increases would not improve quality of life; they might even reduce it.

Figure 1: Responsible well-being and threshold limit 43

Furthermore, actions, choices, and decisions are beyond individual actions. Personal well-being is linked to the well-being of others and to the ecosystem that supports it, so, in practice, the concept of responsible well-being contributes effectively to a comprehensive human development project ⁴³.

Decision-making in rural electrification projects

The ability of technology to meet rural energy needs has already been demonstrated, especially for those based on renewable energy sources, such as solar PV systems, small wind power generators, micro- and mini-hydropower plants, and biomass and diesel generators ^{49), (50}. However, the strategies used to implement these solutions determine their viability and impact on the quality of life and the promotion of socioeconomic development in rural communities. In this sense, we propose organizing these strategies into three main levels of generation and distribution systems, ranging from individual systems to microgrids connected to the grid or to other microgrids, which can provide different benefits or services depending on what is required. This is shown in Fig. 2.

Figure 2: Proposal for the organization of generation and distribution strategies in rural áreas

Individual systems (level 1). This is the most basic level, generally consisting of small DC or AC systems (e.g., PVs) serving small and dispersed loads typical of isolated rural dwellings. The main advantage of these systems is their simplicity and low initial cost, which makes them an immediate solution for areas with very low population density. However, their limited capacity means that they cover only the lowest level of energy access, limiting their impact on community productivity and economic development.

Nano-, micro-, or mini-grids (level 2). These provide distributed, radial systems that can operate on DC or AC power, aggregating multiple energy sources and loads. These grids offer a more robust power supply than individual systems and allow for both social and productive uses. At the community level, these solutions enable significant improvements in social and economic well-being, provide sufficient energy for critical infrastructure, and promote sustainable development in rural areas.

Microgrids connected to the grid or to other microgrids (level 3). At the most advanced level, connected microgrids offer AC meshed systems that enable energy exchange with other microgrids or with the main power grid. These grids are designed to operate flexibly, adapting to both distributed energy resources and distributed loads. Not only does this type of grid meet the energy needs of the community; it also supports modern lifestyles by allowing the use of technology applications 24 hours a day, promoting food security and sustainable production.

However, introducing technologies without considering cultural contexts and preferences often leads to low technology adoption or the inefficient operation of electricity services ^{51), (52}. Predominantly technocratic approaches are more like technological wishlists than representations of the real needs and capabilities of a community, or of the well-being that comes from using electrical or electronic devices in households, especially for the poorest.

In the discourse around the SDGs, electrification facilitates the satisfaction of basic needs and improves people's standard of living (as proposed by human capital theories), which is, therefore, where the emphasis should be placed.

In this context, we propose a strategy for decision-making in rural electrification projects that combines design thinking, the systemic approach, PAR, and the principles of behavioral economics.

Methodological proposal for decision-making in rural electrification projects

Integrating the four approaches described in the previous section makes it possible to address issues related to the adoption, sustainability, and appropriation of energy technologies in rural communities while maximizing the active participation of local actors in the planning and implementation process, overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches that often fail to capture the complexity of human behavior and isolated rural communities.

Considering the above, the proposed methodology addresses the main complexities associated with community participation in electrification projects while considering technical, economic, social, political, environmental, and regulatory aspects, whose influence may vary depending on the type of user, the region, or the time horizon considered.

The systemic approach allows incorporating some variables with intrinsic characteristics and therefore cannot be evaluated in a fragmented manner. An example of this interconnection is the behavior of user demand, which simultaneously influences and is influenced by economic, technological, social, and environmental factors. Behavioral economics allow for improved acceptance and adoption of new technologies, facilitating the transition to sustainable energy systems through strategies that reduce resistance to change. Meanwhile, PAR encourages active community participation, involving its members in all phases of the project and enabling culturally relevant and accepted solutions. This participation is also essential for ensuring long-term technical, social, and economic sustainability, as it allows the community to manage and operate the systems autonomously, strengthening its independence and commitment to the project.

Fig. 3 summarizes the phases of the comprehensive participatory rural electrification process proposed by the authors.

Figure 3: Phases of the comprehensive participatory rural electrification process framework

Some of the suggested tools for the implementation of this methodology are presented below.

• Empathy map. This is a tool for design thinking processes and participatory projects that helps to understand the needs, thoughts, and behaviors of the members of a community. This representation allows visualizing different dimensions of the human experience, facilitating the creation of more people-centered solutions.

• A day in the life of... This technique is based on experiencing the conditions of a user first-hand. It is useful in rural electrification projects, as it facilitates the identification of barriers and opportunities from the perspective of those who will benefit from the project.

• Tell me about the last time you... This technique invites the participant to narrate a significant personal experience related to electrification or access to energy.

• Construction of archetypes in a community. Here, archetypes are identified which help to understand social dynamics, as well as the way in which different actors influence the development and implementation of rural electrification initiatives.

• Present and future scenario map. This map is divided into two-time axes (present and future) and into several categories. Common patterns or problems are identified, grouping similar ideas. Participants are asked to imagine different possible futures derived from the implementation of diverse energy solutions.

• Multicriteria decision matrix. This technique allows comparing various electrification alternatives while considering technical, economic, environmental, and social criteria, facilitating an objective and balanced decision.

• PESTLE. Political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental analysis is a key tool for identifying the external factors that can influence a rural electrification project.

• Decision tree diagram. This tool allows visualizing the options and their consequences over time, considering risks, benefits and future decisions.

• Effort-impact matrix. This technique evaluates alternatives while considering the effort required to implement them and the impact they will have on the community.

• Participatory social audit. This approach allows the community to evaluate the transparency and efficiency of a project’s implementation, generating trust and strengthening participatory management.

It is not necessary to incorporate all the tools simultaneously when working with the community. However, to the extent that more tools can be included, the sustainability of the rural electrification process in a specific community will increase. An example of the PESTLE analysis for a rural community is shown in Fig. 4.

Figure 4: PESTLE Analysis. Adapted from 65)-(68).

Finally, as an input within the methodology, a survey using the Survey123 app is proposed as a tool for obtaining data, which enables direct interaction with an undetermined group of users, in order to identify the household appliances that they consider for their well-being at home, their consumption habits, their ranking of preferences, and the perception of user satisfaction regarding the use of appliances.

Fig. 5 presents the QR code to access the survey form.

Figure 5: QR code to Survey123

The survey questions are divided into sections according to the topic to be addressed:

• Characteristics of the inhabitants and the house. Statistics are obtained on reference parameters regarding energy consumption, including the number of rooms in the house, the area, the number of people living in the house, and the family income (frequency and quantity).

• Characteristics of the electricity service. Statistics are obtained on service provision, including the type of connection, the average energy consumption, and service reliability (i.e., the number of days that power was available, the hours of interruption, and the frequency of interruption).

• Electrical devices. The new needs within society have led users to require a greater number of electrical devices to support their daily activities. This section explores essential appliances, the factors influencing decisions when acquiring devices for the household, the perceived sufficiency of equipment to meet daily needs, the frequency of use of different devices, and the types of technologies adopted, among other relevant aspects related to energy use and well-being.

• Desirability. An evaluation model is proposed to compare users’ current conditions with their level of satisfaction when postponing an activity to a different time period, thereby capturing preferences, priorities, and perceived trade-offs in daily energy use.

• The above-presented elements are key in situation diagnosis during the planning and design of rural electrification systems, providing multiple strategies with real options based on how people use technology in their daily lives, with the purpose of enhancing well-being.

To understand users and consider these aspects in designing technological solutions, active and direct participation is a valuable approach. Thus, information (including spatial data) can be collected and analyzed using web or mobile devices, grouping questions according to the answers. The survey has the possibility of sending data anonymously, which simplifies and speeds up the contribution while generating fewer concerns about data privacy.

Preliminary findings

A preliminary validation of the proposed approach was conducted by applying participatory tools in exploratory workshops and simulation exercises with academic stakeholders. 16 students from the Electrical Engineering program of Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas participated in the activity. The students were selected based on their personal experience in rural areas, or if they had relatives who lived in such areas.

During the exercise, the students assumed different roles, e.g., community leaders, surveyors, technical experts, and community members (end users). They participated as potential beneficiaries of the proposed electrification systems.

Due to the low female participation in STEM disciplines, this trend was intentionally maintained in the exercise, in order to simulate the gender imbalance that is often present in real-world rural electrification contexts.

Three representative scenarios were developed to reflect the typical conditions of rural Colombian communities:

• Minimal energy access

• Restricted access with a gradually expanding grid

• A system with technical issues and low community trust in the electricity provider

Each scenario was accompanied by the three descriptive narratives (Table II), which were used as discussion triggers.

The characteristics of the simulated surveys applied to the ‘users’ are presented in Tables III to V. These participatory experiences validated the applicability of the model in real-world contexts and revealed significant findings from both methodological and social perspectives.

During the workshops, hypothetical rural electrification scenarios were presented, considering different levels of access and community organization. Due to limited energy availability, individual solar systems were initially prioritized. However, after applying participatory tools, a collective need for community lighting systems emerged, aiming to enable shared nighttime activities.

In scenarios with limited but expanding access, even though some households had basic refrigerators, there was still a strong interest in having equipment for productive uses. This required a reevaluation and resizing of the initially proposed infrastructure.

Finally, in contexts with active institutional support, the community showed a significant interest in clean technologies, such as PV systems. However, they also expressed distrust in the long-term sustainability and maintenance of these systems, especially regarding ongoing technical support and transparent service delivery.

The following key findings were identified based on these exercises and the integration of the aforementioned approaches (design thinking, the systemic approach, PAR, and behavioral economics):

• It was identified that electrical equipment fulfills its intended function, and that certain devices are also perceived as indicators of well-being.

• An underrepresentation of collective needs was found in conventional diagnoses. The tools used revealed non-explicit energy demands, such as perimeter lighting for security or the possibility of simultaneously charging mobile devices in community areas.

• Narrative and visual techniques helped to identify non-technical social barriers, such as institutional mistrust, a lack of knowledge about technology maintenance, and limited participation of women and youth in energy-related decision-making. These barriers, rendered invisible by purely technical approaches, can compromise the long-term sustainability of the implemented systems.

• It is important to incorporate indicators of satisfaction and well-being into project evaluations, recognizing subjective dimensions such as autonomy, trust in technology, and community control as essential factors for technological adoption.

• The application of the principles of behavioral economics, such as symbolic incentives, public visibility, and behavioral anchors, increased participants' willingness to adopt sustainable technologies and change their consumption habits.

These findings confirm that the proposed methodological model enables the integration of technical criteria with social, cultural, and emotional dimensions, ensuring that none of these dimensions override the others. Furthermore, the model facilitates the identification of emerging behaviors in contexts of incipient electrification, and it anticipates demand growth scenarios that traditional models do not consider. Furthermore, the use of digital tools (e.g., Survey123), adapted with a participatory approach, enables not only the characterization of consumption patterns, but also the collection of perceptions on family satisfaction, aspirations, and priorities, which are critical elements for guiding well-being-based decisions.

This methodological approach provides a flexible and scalable platform for improving decision-making processes in rural electrification from an integrative perspective. Overcoming the limitations of technocratic approaches, the model promotes context-sensitive, socially appropriate, and sustainable long-term decisions.

Conclusions

Success in rural electrification depends not only on technological implementation, but also on decision-making processes that actively incorporate the perspectives and priorities of the beneficiary communities. The proposed methodology emphasizes the importance of participatory and behavioral approaches that address the interrelationships between technical, social, economic, and environmental factors in order to ensure that energy solutions are sustainable and accepted by users. The adoption of a participatory and integrative (holistic) decision-making model ensures that rural communities not only have access to energy but are also involved in the management and long-term sustainability of projects, facilitating a positive impact on their well-being and development.

In this regard, government entities, system operators, academic institutions, and international cooperation agencies are encouraged to consider the following strategic guidelines:

• Incorporate participatory and user-centered design tools from the initial stages of project identification and formulation.

• Fund mechanisms that encompass energy infrastructure, capacity building, community strengthening, and social assessment processes.

• Apply multidimensional impact indicators that include satisfaction levels, technological adoption, and community self-management capacity.

• Promote social and technological innovation from the territories by recognizing and supporting local initiatives that promote equitable and sustainable access to energy.

This set of actions is consistent with the transition towards fair, resilient, and culturally relevant energy models, as proposed in the literature on energy justice and sustainable development ¹⁵. Thus, the main contribution of this research is not limited to formulating a theoretical model; it translates into a methodological proposal that seeks to strengthen community energy governance, ensure the sustainability of implemented solutions, and effectively contribute to achieving SDG7 in isolated rural regions.