Bangladesh rural electrification : preliminary assessment -- final report

This report presents preliminary findings regarding the program"s social and economic impacts. The following specific impacts are addressed: the impact of electrified irrigation on productivity output, incomes, and employment in the agricultural sector; (2) the impact of electrification on new and existing small industrial and commercial enterprises; (3) the impact on household economic activities, particularly cottage industries; (4) the impact on family planning decisions and fertility; (5) impacts on social well-being, including education, health, leisure time, the availability of social services, and the role of women; and (6) equity effects in terms of affordability of services, and the distribution of benefits among areas. In economic terms, the program"s success is confirmed by the financial performance of the rural electric cooperatives. Almost all are able to meet their operating costs and are expected to be able to pay back their debt. However, while the program is evolving in a positive manner, it has yet to achieve some aspects of institutional maturity associated with a well-functioning rural electrification organization. Further outside assistance is needed not only to expand the physical system, but, more importantly, to strengthen the management system, especially its evaluation capability.