Urban poor livelihoods: Understanding the role of energy services

Abstract

This paper aims to: (i) summarise current knowledge on poor urban livelihoods and energy; (ii) review current approaches to energy services for the urban poor; (iii) review the existing evidence on the impacts of commercialisation and privatisation in the energy sector on urban poor peoples' access to energy services and the sustainability of their livelihoods; and (iv) map the impacts of fuel price increases on sustainable livelihoods of poor urban households. The paper is based on a review of the literature (journals, newsletters, project reports and internet sites) related specifically to urban livelihoods and energy