The Impact of Renewable Energy Use on Socio-Economic Growth of Local Community in Rwanda: A Case of Rusizi District (2020-2024)

Despite efforts in sustainable development and energy access, 40% of Rusizi’s remote residents lack electricity, limiting education, healthcare, and businesses, while non-renewable energy harms health, environment, and growth. The research thesis entitled “Impact of renewable energy use on socio-economic growth of local community in Rwanda with the case of Rusizi district. This research aimed at identifying the types of renewable energy used in Rusizi district, assessing the socio-economic status of the local community in Rusizi district, examining the impact of renewable Energy use on socio-economic growth of communities in Rusizi district and analyzing the challenges of associated with the use of using renewable energy in Rusizi district. The targeted population in this research were 76,514 people from two sectors: Kamembe and Gihundwe, from which a sample of 398 people were selected using the simple random sampling method. In addition, 16 local leaders were selected using the purposive sampling method. The data were collected from sampled local community members by using a questionnaire while a face-to-face interview was administered to the local leaders. The data was completed by data from observation as well as documentation review.  The data obtained were analyzed and processed through the use of tables graphs and charts. After using renewable energy, the results have shown that 97% of respondents are insured and these with difficulties of having health insurance are equivalent to 3.0%. The local community members got school fees for their children and themselves after using renewable energy. The result showed that there were changes after getting credits from 3.8% to 8.4% who can afford tertiary education and from19.2% to 25.5% who can pay school fees in secondary schools. The research recommends Rusizi District to enhance access to renewable energy equipment, support investors with easier loan processes, and address poverty, which remains a major challenge hindering the local community from benefiting fully from sustainable energy and development initiatives. Keywords: Renewable Energy, Socio-economic Growth, Local Community, Rusizi District, Rwanda.