Socioeconomic Impact of Solar Pump on Farmer Livelihood in Southern Punjab, Pakistan: A Case Study of District Vehari

Abstract

This study enlightens the socio-economic impact of solar energy on farmer livelihood of District Vehari. This is a quantitative study and primary data has been collected through well-structured questionnaire. Structure equation modelling (SEM) is adopted to analyse the impact of observed and unobserved variables on farmer livelihood as well as socio-economic well-being. A comparison of adopter and non-adopter has been done. Socio-economic well-being shows positive and significant on farmer livelihood but strength of impact in case of users of solar pump is more than non-users. In case of total income partial mediation takes place and has direct and indirect (through solar energy) impact is positive and significant on socio-economic well-being. Highest education in family has insignificant impact on solar energy showing that it does not play any role in adoption. The actual reason of non-adoption that has been observed is high cost of solar panel so there is need subsidised the installation of it by the government.