Álvaro Fernández-Baldor

Are technological projects reducing social inequalities and improving people's well-being? A capability approach analysis of renewable energy-based electrification projects in Cajamarca, Peru

Abstract This paper analyses four renewable energy-based electrification projects that were implemented by the non-governmental organization Practical Action in the rural area of Cajamarca, Peru. Using the capability approach, the research examines the effect of the projects on the things people value. It confirms that projects provide different benefits to the communities (reducing air pollution caused by candles and kerosene, improving access to communication through television and radio, providing the possibility of night study under appropriate light, etc.), but also detects an expansion of the capabilities in other areas not considered by the non-governmental organization such as those related to religion, leisure or community participation. However, the expansion of capabilities is different for men and women. The study reveals the limitations of interventions designed to supply technology, electrification in this particular case, which do not take into account certain elements that can make the use of technology contribute unequally to the expansion of peoples capabilities. The paper concludes that technological projects can generate inequalities, and some recommendations are presented in order to address these issues when planning interventions.

From Individuality to Collectivity: The Challenges for Technology-Oriented Development Projects

This chapter explores the contributions of the capability approach to technological aid projects implemented in small communities or villages. To achieve that objective we examine the evolution of technology-oriented development projects and the limitations of its current conceptualisation. After exploring the capability approach, we present a new framework for technology within the context of human development, the Technologies for Freedom (T4F). Throughout the chapter we introduce three case studies of power projects implemented in rural villages. The cases are funded by similar donors, and obtain the same results (ends) in the space of resources – a sufficient amount of energy for the communities. Nevertheless, the results differ in terms of processes (means) such as participation and empowerment of people. This chapter aims to show how technological artefacts (products, equipments, etc.) and organizational processes and relationships are ends of community interventions; but they also represent the means that allow people to do and to achieve whatever goals or values they regard as important, enhancing the ability of the community to help themselves to make changes happen. And, what is more important, that people can collectively become agents of change rather than being simple recipients of aid. Thus, we conclude that technology-oriented development projects can be vehicles for expanding people’s freedom (individual capabilities) but also to enhance their ability (individually and as a group) to pursue goals they consider valuable (agency).

Embracing the complexity of policy processes in sanitation: Insights from India

Different stakeholders tried participatory approaches to boost progress in rural sanitation in India. The policy processes around these experiences, despite shaping their outcomes, remain a knowledge gap this article addresses. Evidence shows that the interests of the actors involved resulted in the national campaign being focused on construction. Therefore, participatory approaches could only be successfully introduced through networks with political champions at their centre. Moreover, political dynamics determined the success of the different introduction strategies. A better understanding of these policy processes, using analytical frameworks such as the one we propose, will lead to smarter influencing strategies in the sanitation sector.

Una nueva mirada a la competencia transversal de trabajo en equipo desde los enfoques de participación y cuidados: El caso del Máster en Cooperación al Desarrollo por la UPV

La comunicacion presenta el trabajo realizado durante los cursos academicos 2015-2016 y 2016-2017 para mejorar y evaluar el desarrollo de la competencia transversal “trabajo en equipo” en el alumnado del Master en Cooperacion al Desarrollo por la Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, desde los enfoques de la participacion y los cuidados. Los resultados estan siendo satisfactorios y alentadores, debido en parte a la colaboracion con una ONGD externa; si bien evidencian elementos susceptibles de reflexion y mejora, como son profundizar en los enfoques adoptados y su traslado a la competencia estudiada, hacer extensible el trabajo en esta competencia a todo el master progresivamente o mejorar el seguimiento y el acompanamiento al alumnado. Palabras clave: trabajo en equipo, competencias transversales, participacion, enfoque de cuidados, evaluacion

Gender, Energy, and Inequalities: A Capabilities Approach Analysis of Renewable Electrification Projects in Peru

Technology, despite being very important, is not the only factor that ensures the success of an intervention. There are many different elements to take into account when planning projects, especially in complex environments such as the least-developed areas of the world. However, development aid interventions have generally been focused on supplying a technological goods or services instead of focusing on people, thus missing out on the project’s potential for social transformation. This paper analyzes four renewable energy-based electrification projects implemented by the nongovernmental organization Practical Action in the rural area of Cajamarca, Peru. Using the Capabilities Approach, the research examines the effect of the projects on the things people value. It confirms that projects provide different benefits to the communities (reducing air pollution caused by candles and kerosene, improving access to communication through television and radio, providing the possibility of night study under appropriate light, etc.), but also detects an expansion of the capabilities in other areas not considered by the nongovernmental organization such as those related to religion, leisure, or community participation. However, the expansion of capabilities is different for men and women. The study reveals the limitations of interventions designed to supply technology, electrification in this particular case, which do not take into account certain elements that can cause the use of technology to contribute unequally to the expansion of people’s capabilities. The research concludes that technological projects can generate inequalities and some recommendations are presented in order to address these issues when planning interventions.