This paper is part of the International Journal of Applied Research in Business and Management (ISSN: 2700-8983), Volume 6, Issue 1, published in 2025.
Authors
Witness Chirwa
Abstract
Microfinance continues to be an essential tool for improving livelihoods of poverty-stricken households domiciled at the base of the energy pyramid. This literature review sought to examine the role of microfinance as a tool of alleviating energy poverty in the rural communities of Zimbabwe. In undertaking this review paper, relevant journal articles between January 2000 and December 2024 were selected using Scopus, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, Inderscience, Semantic Scholar and Google Scholar. Key words were used in the selection of 45 articles that were considered for the compilation of this review. The review found out that rural communities in Zimbabwe have been suffering from unprecedented energy poverty for a long time. It also found that most rural households have been relying mostly on fossil fuels for their energy needs. The review concluded that microfinance institutions have been playing a pivotal role in fighting energy poverty in Zimbabwe, though they appear to be losing dominance to Pay-As-You Go solar home systems. The study recommends that the government should support rural energy development through introduction of policies that address concerns of rural communities regarding their energy needs and that ensure affordability of solar products via promotion of cheaper financing options.
Suggested Citation (APA 7th)
Chirwa, W. (2025). The Financial inclusion and Energy Poverty Nexus in the Rural Communities of Zimbabwe – A Literature Review. International Journal of Applied Research in Business and Management, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.2025.wctm.45757
