The worldview of this book aligns with the New Ecological Paradigm (Buttel 470). The book assumes that the electrification of rural Sub-Saharan Africa is required but not by construction of massive electrical grids (Knuckles, James et al. 2). Throughout the book, many points are raised about specific needs and limitations of the Sub-Saharan environment (Knuckles, James et al. 21). Small power producers on isolated grids are emphasized as the first step in the electrification of the region to avoid overextension while also being fiscally and environmentally responsible (Knuckles, James et al. 31). Although sociological and technological factors are at the core of the book, the attention is also paid to the CO2 emissions (Knuckles, James et al. 314) and environmental regulations needed for safe, efficient and effective implementation of small power producing isolated mini-grids in the rural Sub-Saharan Africa (Knuckles, James et al. 87).
This worldview is also supported in the comparison of different systems that were already implemented in Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Again the specifics of the region are highly important (Knuckles, James et al. 88). A large amount of the book is dedicated to regulations, tariffs, approvals and regulatory bodies required to implement the most compatible type of an isolated mini-grid and the process of its subsequent connection to the large national grid (Knuckles, James et al. 317).
Possible controversial problems of balance between revenue and environmental care are considered. Chapter seven examines implementation problems of feed-In tariffs and presents possible off-the-record comments of stakeholders involved in the project. One of them is a renewable energy developer who finds the low prices that Tanzanian Energy Company is willing to pay to him not efficient for renewable energy development and calls for subsidies from the regulatory official similar to those given to the Songo-Songo natural gas plant. Positions of a national utility official and a Ministry of Energy official are also considered and presented in a realistic way (Knuckles, James et al. 199).
Ethical Technology Assessment
Elin Palm and Sven Ove Hansson created a simple checklist (551) that helps provide an Ethical Technology Assessment of the solutions provided in this book. The first point on the checklist concerns the dissemination of information. Areas where computers and the Internet previously could not be utilized would receive a powerful and mostly unregulated information tool. Access to the Internet could lead to previously unforeseen issues. For example, radical groups in the region could use the Internet as a propaganda and recruitment tool (Chatfield, Akemi Takeoka et al. 239). Software piracy is also likely to benefit from this due to the creation of a new, previously unstainable market (Asongu, Simplice 526).
The second point of the assessment examines possible overreaches of power and control that might be brought by the implementation of the new technology. As mentioned earlier, the Internet could be used as a propaganda tool. This could lead to a change in public perception of political parties and leaders (Chatfield, Akemi Takeoka et al. 239). Newly provided power could also heighten surveillance for the police force of the country. Therefore, it could be used to power cameras and other surveillance equipment in previously unmonitored areas (Palm, Elin and Sven Ove Hansson 552). To avoid exploitation of these new tools new laws would have to be implemented. On the other hand diffusion of information could also lead to a decrease of government corruption and increased accountability (Kock, Ned and Lebrian Gaskins 32).
The third point investigates how social contact patterns can change because of this technology. Use of the Internet has a strong impact on the way people meet and communicate with each other. It has shown to have positive results in dealing with the loneliness of older people in isolated communities. The quantity of communication also increases. Consequently, social contact patterns would be disrupted with the arrival of modern energy producers. Instant communication over large distances can lead to long-distance personal and professional relationships with both positive and negative effects (Cotten, Shelia R et al. 2).
The fourth point judges the effect of the new technology on privacy. Previously mentioned surveillance equipment could be a serious threat to the privacy of the people. Lack of experience in computer and cellphone use could also lead to information theft (Koyame-Marsh, and Marsh 32).
The fifth issue of the assessment is the sustainability of the technology. While the book presents a thoroughly researched and flexible plan for the implementation of mini-grids, it still relies on non-renewable resources to provide power. The main issue for this lies in the high cost of solar power in the area coupled with a low interest of politicians in alternative energy research (Hancock, Kathleen 4). Although it is important to note that the plan presents this implementation as a long-term process with an eventual connection to a larger electrical grid (Knuckles, James et al. 293).
The sixth point deals with how technology affects human reproduction. Electrification of rural areas could have a positive effect on human reproduction. The Internet would provide a source of information for future mothers who might not have all the information required for a healthy birth (Bjelke, Maria et al. 189).
The seventh point concerns the issues of gender, minorities, and justice. Previously mentioned advances in communication and surveillance could both become an issue and a solution. The Internet could be used for both education on social issues and their perpetuation. Issues of homosexuality in Africa are especially controversial (Klinken, Adriaan van and Ezra Chitando 1) and Internet could give voice to people afraid to represent their sexuality publicly (Kock, Ned and Lebrian Gaskins 32).
The eighth point examines how this technology could affect international relations. This book concerns the development of rural communities and should not have a direct effect on international relations. One possible positive effect might appear if electrification increases trade between neighboring countries (Hancock, Kathleen 9).
Finally, the ninth point judges the impact of technology on human values. The Internet has been proven to be popular in developing countries and could be seen in communities that value security and tradition as well as those that have other beliefs. Its role can be considered as a tool rather than something that directly affects the value judgments of the people (Bagchi, Kallol K. et al. 76).
In my opinion, most of these issues could be mitigated with a staggered introduction of technologies that would come with electrification. Perhaps the Internet should be at first provided in public areas. For example, libraries could use it to provide books that would otherwise be unavailable or too expensive. In addition Surveillance technology should only be allowed in public areas. Its use should also be regulated to prevent overreaches in police control.
Works Cited
Asongu, Simplice. “Software Piracy, Inequality And The Poor: Evidence From Africa”. Journal Of Economic Studies, vol 41, no. 4, 2014, pp. 526-553. Emerald. Web.
Bagchi, Kallol K. et al. “Internet Use And Human Values: Analyses Of Developing And Developed Countries”. Computers In Human Behavior, vol 50, 2015, pp. 76-90. Elsevier BV. Web.
Bjelke, Maria et al. “Using The Internet As A Source Of Information During Pregnancy — A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study In Sweden”. Midwifery, vol 40, 2016, pp. 187-191. Elsevier BV. Web.
Buttel, F. “New Directions In Environmental Sociology”. Annual Review Of Sociology, vol 13, no. 1, 1987, pp. 465-488. Annual Reviews. Web.
Chatfield, Akemi Takeoka et al. “Tweeting Propaganda, Radicalization And Recruitment”. Proceedings Of The 16Th Annual International Conference On Digital Government Research – Dg.O ’15, 2015, pp. 239-249. Association For Computing Machinery (ACM). Web.
Cotten, Shelia R et al. “Impact Of Internet Use On Loneliness And Contact With Others Among Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Analysis”. Journal Of Medical Internet Research, vol 15, no. 2, 2013, pp. 2-13. JMIR Publications Inc. Web.
Hancock, Kathleen J. “The Expanding Horizon Of Renewable Energy In Sub-Saharan Africa: Leading Research In The Social Sciences”. Energy Research & Social Science, vol 5, 2015, pp. 1-8. Elsevier BV. Web.
Klinken, Adriaan van and Ezra Chitando. Public Religion And The Politics Of Homosexuality In Africa., London, UK, Routledge Press, 2016.
Knuckles, James et al. From The Bottom Up: How Small Power Producers And Mini-Grids Can Deliver Electrification And Renewable Energy In Africa (Directions In Development). 2nd ed., Washington, DC, World Bank Publications, 2014.
Kock, Ned and Lebrian Gaskins. “The Mediating Role Of Voice And Accountability In The Relationship Between Internet Diffusion And Government Corruption In Latin America And Sub-Saharan Africa”. Information Technology For Development, vol 20, no. 1, 2013, pp. 23-43. Informa UK Limited. Web.
Koyame-Marsh, Rita O., and John L. Marsh. “Data Breaches and Identity Theft: Costs and Responses.” IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance 5.6 (2014): 36-45.
Palm, Elin and Sven Ove Hansson. “The Case For Ethical Technology Assessment (Eta)”. Technological Forecasting And Social Change, vol 73, no. 5, 2006, pp. 543-558. Elsevier BV. Web.