Abstract

PALOMARES, María Ten  and  ARISTIZABAL, Alejandra Boni. Off-grid electrification visions in the Ecuadorian Amazon: challenging hegemonic logics. Letras Verdes [online]. 2016, n.20, pp.4-21. ISSN 1390-6631.  https://doi.org/10.17141/letrasverdes.20.2016.2181.

Energy is considered essential for development. However, rural electrification projects rarely include rural population’s aspirations, especially Amazonian indigenous peoples’ aspirations. Through the different visions of electrification of two kichwa and siona communities placed in the Northern Amazon and three Achuar communities of the Central Ecuadorian Amazon, this paper explores the challenges arising from the translation of indigenous visions of Buen Vivir and energy into the design of off-grid electrification projects. We argue that recognizing the diversity of these visions represents an opportunity for new rural electrification logics that challenge the dominant development paradigm and understand energy as an element for social transformation.

Keywords : electrification; Ecuadorian Amazon; indigenous peoples; Buen Vivir..

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