Socioeconomic and energy access data at household level in Hilaweyn refugee camp and host communities

Resumen

The objective of this report is to present the findings on energy access and population profiles based on data gathered through surveys conducted in the refugee camp and host communities of Hilaweyn, within the scope of the Alianza Shire project.

The study involved administering surveys to 500 respondents, comprising 250 residents of Hilaweyn Refugee Camp and 250 residents from the surrounding host communities. Data collection took place between April and May 2022. The survey included 231 questions categorized into 14 thematic clusters. Following the framework
established by the master’s thesis of Antonio de la Peña Calleja (2023), the indicators for household electricity access and cooking practices, as proposed by the Global Platform for Action on Sustainable Energy in Displacement Settings (GPA) (Bisaga, 2021), were calculated using the data obtained from the socioeconomic survey.

Collecting and analyzing disaggregated data posed significant challenges due to logistical constraints and the nuanced nature of the information. Ensuring data integrity while capturing the diversity of experiences in both refugee and host populations was crucial to obtaining a representative profile.

The survey highlighted gender disparities and inequalities related to energy access. Approximately 15% of household income is allocated to energy services such as phone charging, battery use, candles, and powering small electronic devices like radios.

Cooking tasks are predominantly performed by women, and the primary fuel used is firewood. Notably, 100% of respondents rely on non-clean cooking fuels, underscoring significant challenges in promoting sustainable and safe energy practices.

These results emphasize the urgent need for interventions that address energy poverty, gender inequality, and the reliance on unsustainable fuels. Further efforts are required to transition toward cleaner, safer, and more equitable energy solutions in displacement settings.