Including OVC in the Social Analysis of Energy Projects
When increasing access to modern energy services, the concern for the survival of those whose lives depend on income from the traditional energy markets must be taken into account. Therefore it is crucial to understand how your project can affect these most vulnerable groups, so as to take appropriate corrective or compensating measures.
If at all possible, you should conduct a full-fledged social analysis of your project (more on social analysis: The Social Analysis Sourcebook) In the social analysis, address issues related to the impact the project is likely to have on vulnerable children. If your budget and time are limited, make sure that the mandatory Environmental Assessment includes a section on the likely impact of the project on the social environment, with gender and children considerations being given particular attention.
Some OVC related questions include:
- Are children involved in activities that will be affected by the new energy project, notably in functions that can or will be changed as a consequence of the project? Are these children more likely to be boys or girls? Ask in particular about fuelwood supplies, availability of transport systems, and who does the menial work.
- Are they involved in these activities to cover their household internal demands or to earn cash?
- If the latter: what consequences will the loss of that income mean to the child and/or to the child’s family? Will the child have to do even worse types of work? Will the child loose his/her ability to support him/herself or his/her education?
- If the former: will children’s freed time be used for school and play, or to relieve the workload of other household members? Will all household children benefit equally from the time saved from energy-related tasks? (Explore: is there a school? Are there other obstacles to the children spending their saved time for education? Is it different for boys and girls?)
Can the project negatively affect adults that care for OVC? Could the project lead to adult job loss, forcing children into child labor? (The latter is a typical case with women fuel wood carriers, who are often heads of household with no other means of survival).
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