DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14483/23448393.22887Published:
2025-12-24Issue:
Vol. 30 No. 3 (2025): September-DecemberSection:
Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunications EngineeringIntegration of Systemic and Participatory Approaches in Decision-Making for the Achievement of SDG 7 in Rural Areas
Integración de enfoques sistémicos y participativos en la toma de decisiones para el logro del ODS 7 en zonas rurales
Keywords:
Rural electrification, Sustainable development, SDG, decision making, community participation (en).Keywords:
Electrificación rural, Desarrollo sostenible, ODS, toma de decisiones, participación comunitaria (es).Downloads
Abstract (en)
Context: This article examines access to electrification in rural areas within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which seeks to ensure access to modern, affordable, and sustainable energy for all. It identifies common barriers to energy access in rural communities and highlights the limitations of conventional approaches, emphasizing the need for integrative and participatory decision-making processes in rural electrification projects.
Method: This study proposes an integrative decision-making model based on design thinking, the systemic approach, participatory action research (PAR), and the principles of behavioral economics. This model prioritizes community participation and the cultural and contextual appropriateness of electrification solutions, supported by participatory tools such as empathy maps and digital surveys to identify both explicit and latent energy needs and preferences.
Results: The results show that integrating participatory and behavioral approaches strengthens community governance, improves the acceptance of electrification systems, and optimizes the use of technical and financial resources. Active community engagement increases trust in energy solutions, while behavioral design strategies promote more efficient energy use without compromising user comfort. Additionally, participatory tools reveal non-obvious energy demands and social barriers often overlooked by purely technical assessments.
Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that a successful rural electrification depends not only on technological solutions, but also on inclusive, context-aware decision-making processes. The proposed integrative model contributes to sustainable human development by enhancing the acceptance and long-term sustainability of electrification projects in rural areas.
Abstract (es)
Contexto: Este artículo examina el acceso a la electrificación en zonas rurales en el marco del Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible 7 (ODS7), que busca garantizar el acceso a energía moderna, asequible y sostenible para todos. Se identifican las barreras comunes en el acceso energético en comunidades rurales y se destacan las limitaciones de los enfoques convencionales, resaltando la necesidad de procesos de toma de decisiones integradores y participativos en los proyectos de electrificación rural.
Método: Este estudio propone un modelo integrador de toma de decisiones basado en el design thinking, el enfoque sistémico, la investigación-acción participativa (IAP) y los principios de la economía del comportamiento. Este modelo prioriza la participación comunitaria y la adecuación cultural y contextual de las soluciones de electrificación, apoyándose en herramientas participativas como los mapas de empatía y las encuestas digitales para identificar necesidades y preferencias energéticas tanto explícitas como latentes.
Resultados: Los resultados muestran que la integración de enfoques participativos y conductuales fortalece la gobernanza comunitaria, mejora la aceptación de los sistemas de electrificación y optimiza el uso de los recursos técnicos y financieros. La participación activa de las comunidades incrementa la confianza en las soluciones energéticas, mientras que las estrategias de diseño conductual promueven un uso más eficiente de la energía sin comprometer la comodidad del usuario. Asimismo, las herramientas participativas permiten identificar demandas energéticas no evidentes y barreras sociales que suelen ser ignoradas por evaluaciones exclusivamente técnicas.
Conclusiones: Los hallazgos evidencian que el éxito de la electrificación rural no depende únicamente de soluciones tecnológicas, sino también de procesos de toma de decisiones inclusivos y sensibles al contexto. El modelo integrador propuesto contribuye al desarrollo humano sostenible al mejorar la aceptación y la sostenibilidad a largo plazo de los proyectos de electrificación en zonas rurales.
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