How do microgrid PV systems help communities respond to energy supply disruption? A review of the socio-economic interrelationships in West Africa

West Africa, marked by rapid urbanization and socio-economic vulnerabilities, faces persistent energy challenges, including unreliable electricity and climate-induced disruptions to energy supply. This study investigates the socio-economic consequences of microgrid photovoltaic (PV) systems in and on vulnerable West African communities, with a focus on the food-water-energy and health-energy nexus. The latter, interlinked sectors are critical to understanding the broader implications of PV systems on resilience. Using a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework, the research synthesizes existing academic knowledge on microgrid solar PV's role in promoting economic development, energy access, and public health while supporting food and water security. The findings suggest that small-scale PV systems offer climate-resilient alternatives to fossil fuels, improve electrification, foster job creation, and reduce health risks from pollutive fuels. Nonetheless, barriers such as high upfront costs, intermittency, and scalability challenges hinder broader implementation. The study also addresses community responses to energy disruptions, including the use of back-up fossil-fuel generators, alternative renewable energy solutions, and behavioural adaptations. A Causal Loop Mapping (CLM) diagram is used to illustrate the complex feedback dynamics between renewable energy access, food, and water systems in vulnerable contexts. While rooted in the West African region, the findings hold broader relevance for other areas facing similar development-energy dilemmas, offering insights into equitable and context-sensitive energy transitions under conditions of climate vulnerability. • Reviews socio-economic impacts of micro-grid PV systems in West Africa. • Focuses on impacts and responses to supply disruption. • Causal mapping of connections among key impact and response factors. • Informs Just Resilience measures and identifies risks of maladaptation.