Impacts of Cross-Border Electricity Trade on Local Livelihoods in Nong Khai, Thailand.

Autor: Jumlongnark, Worrawoot, Tsusaka, Takuji W., Nguyen, Thi Phuoc Lai, Nitivattananon, Vilas, Zulfiqar, Farhad
Předmět:
Zdroj: International Journal of Sustainable Development & Planning; Aug2024, Vol. 19 Issue 8, p3265-3278, 14p
Abstrakt: While Thailand's cross-border trade of electricity with Laos has positive impacts on the national economy, its local livelihood effects remain uncertain. This study evaluates livelihood impacts of electricity consumption in the border trade area of Nong Khai, Thailand by conducting a survey with 339 local households and key informant interviews with six local leaders and residents based on the sustainable livelihood framework. The data were analyzed mainly using descriptives and inferential statistics with some insights from content analysis. The results revealed moderate levels of livelihood outcomes. The lowest impact area was the creation of job opportunities, while the highest impact area was well-being and individual capabilities. Households' participation in border electricity trade policies was at low level. Multiple regression analysis indicated that perceived benefits of border electricity trade, participation in policy processes, and community-level fixed effect contributed to livelihood outcomes, while income, expenditure, energy expenditure, and policy awareness did not have significant effects. While the direct impacts on job opportunities and poverty reduction were limited, perceived benefits had a positive influence on well-being, adaptation, and collaborative natural resource sustenance. The findings suggest a need to increase local participation in border electricity trade policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index