The installation of photovolaic solar energy systems in three Senegalese villages led to an increase in local productivity by encouraging people to stay in the villages instead of leaving in search of economic opportunity. Many socio-economic benefits associated with electricity provision were observed, such as improved health services, enhanced livelihood, and educational and cultural opportunities. The use of solar-powered pumps enabled people to remain in the villages and eliminated the need to move cattle to other pastures, thus retaining cattle as a source of fertilizer and improving local agricultural land. These improvements in village welfare translate into decreased vulnerability, and may buffer the villages against the effects of climate change.

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