intended goals of the projects are not entirely met and in some cases, can cause
more difficulties or pose a danger to the users. Last but not least, perceptions had a
clear impact. People form perceptions about renewable energy systems and their
functioning from their own and other users’ experiences. Such perceptions can
make them wary of using these technologies without adequate socialization and
training. For example, in Nicaragua, a system with a bad design led to two trees
being hit by lighting, and as a consequence, the family is afraid of using the system
and has recommended against their use to others. It is also important to note here
that positive experiences also enable greater use of DRE technologies. I also saw
users purchasing their own system after seeing their neighbors’ system or heard
from some indicating they would purchase a new system if theirs failed.
References
Adger, W. N., Huq, S., Brown, K., Conway, D., & Hulme, M. (2003). Adaptation to climate
change in the developing world. Progress in Development Studies, 3(3), 179.
Architectural Energy Corporation. (1991). Maintenance and operation of stand-alone photovoltaic
systems. Albuquerque: Sandia National Laboratories Photovoltaics Design Assistance Center.
Birkmann, J. (2006). Measuring vulnerability to natural hazards: Towards disaster resilient
societies. Tokyo: United Nations University.
Blaikie, P. M., & Brookfield, H. C. (1987). Land degradation and society. London: Methuen.
Bradshaw, B., Dolan, H., & Smit, B. (2004). Farm-level adaptation to climatic variability and
change: Crop diversification in the Canadian prairies. Climatic Change, 67(1), 119–141.
CEPAL. (2007a). La Energia y las Metas del Milenio en Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua.
Mexico: CEPAL.
CEPAL. (2007b). Istmo Centroamericano: Estadísticas del subsector ele ´ctrico (Datos
actualizados a 2006). Mexico: CEPAL.
Crichton, D. (2007). What can cities do to increase resilience? Philosophical Transactions of the
Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 365(1860), 2731–2739.
Downing, T. E., & Patwardhan, A. (2005). UN adaptation policy frameworks for climate change:
Developing strategies, policies and measures (Technical Paper 3. Assessing Vulnerability for
Climate Adaptation, pp. 93–115). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Eakin, H., & Luers, A. L. (2006). Assessing the vulnerability of social-environmental systems.
Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 36, 365–394. doi:10.1146/annurev.energy.30.
050504.144352
Eriksen, S., & O’Brien, K. (2007). Vulnerability, poverty and the need for sustainable adaptation
measures. Climate Policy, 7(4), 337–352.
GEF. (2005). OPS 3: Progressing toward environmental results. Third overall performance study
of the GEF. Washington, DC: Global Environment Facility and ICF Consulting.
GEF. (2006). The role of local benefits in global environmental programs (Evaluation report
no. 30). Washington, DC: Global Environment Facility Evaluation Office.
Great Britain. Department for International Development. (2000). Sustainable livelihoods guidance sheets. London: Dfid.
Great Britain. Department for International Development. (2004). Climate change and poverty.
London: Department for International Development.
GVEP (2008). Available: www.gvep.org
Inversin, A. R. (1999 [1986]). Micro-hydropower sourcebook: A practical guide to design and
implementation in developing countries. Arlington: NRECA International Foundation.
Johnson, C., Penning-Rowsell, E., & Parker, D. (2007). Natural and imposed injustices: The
challenges in implementing ‘fair’ flood risk management policy in England. Geographical
Journal, 173(4), 374–390.
11 Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy in Rural. . .
211
more difficulties or pose a danger to the users. Last but not least, perceptions had a
clear impact. People form perceptions about renewable energy systems and their
functioning from their own and other users’ experiences. Such perceptions can
make them wary of using these technologies without adequate socialization and
training. For example, in Nicaragua, a system with a bad design led to two trees
being hit by lighting, and as a consequence, the family is afraid of using the system
and has recommended against their use to others. It is also important to note here
that positive experiences also enable greater use of DRE technologies. I also saw
users purchasing their own system after seeing their neighbors’ system or heard
from some indicating they would purchase a new system if theirs failed.
References
Adger, W. N., Huq, S., Brown, K., Conway, D., & Hulme, M. (2003). Adaptation to climate
change in the developing world. Progress in Development Studies, 3(3), 179.
Architectural Energy Corporation. (1991). Maintenance and operation of stand-alone photovoltaic
systems. Albuquerque: Sandia National Laboratories Photovoltaics Design Assistance Center.
Birkmann, J. (2006). Measuring vulnerability to natural hazards: Towards disaster resilient
societies. Tokyo: United Nations University.
Blaikie, P. M., & Brookfield, H. C. (1987). Land degradation and society. London: Methuen.
Bradshaw, B., Dolan, H., & Smit, B. (2004). Farm-level adaptation to climatic variability and
change: Crop diversification in the Canadian prairies. Climatic Change, 67(1), 119–141.
CEPAL. (2007a). La Energia y las Metas del Milenio en Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua.
Mexico: CEPAL.
CEPAL. (2007b). Istmo Centroamericano: Estadísticas del subsector ele ´ctrico (Datos
actualizados a 2006). Mexico: CEPAL.
Crichton, D. (2007). What can cities do to increase resilience? Philosophical Transactions of the
Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 365(1860), 2731–2739.
Downing, T. E., & Patwardhan, A. (2005). UN adaptation policy frameworks for climate change:
Developing strategies, policies and measures (Technical Paper 3. Assessing Vulnerability for
Climate Adaptation, pp. 93–115). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Eakin, H., & Luers, A. L. (2006). Assessing the vulnerability of social-environmental systems.
Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 36, 365–394. doi:10.1146/annurev.energy.30.
050504.144352
Eriksen, S., & O’Brien, K. (2007). Vulnerability, poverty and the need for sustainable adaptation
measures. Climate Policy, 7(4), 337–352.
GEF. (2005). OPS 3: Progressing toward environmental results. Third overall performance study
of the GEF. Washington, DC: Global Environment Facility and ICF Consulting.
GEF. (2006). The role of local benefits in global environmental programs (Evaluation report
no. 30). Washington, DC: Global Environment Facility Evaluation Office.
Great Britain. Department for International Development. (2000). Sustainable livelihoods guidance sheets. London: Dfid.
Great Britain. Department for International Development. (2004). Climate change and poverty.
London: Department for International Development.
GVEP (2008). Available: www.gvep.org
Inversin, A. R. (1999 [1986]). Micro-hydropower sourcebook: A practical guide to design and
implementation in developing countries. Arlington: NRECA International Foundation.
Johnson, C., Penning-Rowsell, E., & Parker, D. (2007). Natural and imposed injustices: The
challenges in implementing ‘fair’ flood risk management policy in England. Geographical
Journal, 173(4), 374–390.
11 Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy in Rural. . .
211