Identifying the needs of communities in rural Uganda: A method for determining the ‘User-Perceived Value’ of rural electrification initiatives

Abstract

This research paper describes the use of a ‘User-Perceived Value Game’ to explore the value of development initiatives as perceived by villagers in 119 interview settings in seven Ugandan villages. Based on the findings from the game, a ‘User-Perceived Value Framework’ is developed, consisting of 64 value categories. This is depicted graphically as a ‘User-Perceived Value Wheel’ supported by a ‘Key Phrase Wheel’, both can be modified using computer-assisted software developed by one of the authors. The aim is to understand the reasons why something is perceived by the end user to be important. This will lead to an improved understanding of how a development initiative can be better tailored for lower-income markets. The initiative can then be marketed appropriately, which will result in user acceptance because the initiative will be perceived to have personal value to the user and therefore the user will care for its upkeep. The paper concludes with a brief application of the ‘User-Perceived Value Wheel’ to demonstrate how this tool can be used to better understand the true sustainability drivers behind rural electrification development initiatives.