Determinants of postnatal care utilization in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta and multilevel analysis of data from 36 sub-Saharan countries

Abstract Introduction Globally, over 65% of maternal deaths occur during the first 42 days of postpartum while the same proportion of neonatal deaths occur during the first 7 days of life. In sab- Saharan Africa, 4.7 million mothers, newborns, and children die on annual basis. As to our knowledge, there is no study on postnatal care utilization that incorporates all sub-Saharan Africa countries that had DHS data. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying pooled magnitude and determinants of postnatal care utilization in sub-Saharan Africa. Method A population-based cross-sectional study from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys data from the period of 2006 to 2018 of 36 SSA countries were used. A total weighted sample of 286,255 reproductive-age women who gave birth 5 years preceding the survey were included in the study. A meta-analysis of DHS data of each Sub-Saharan countries was conducted to generate pooled magnitude and a forest plot was used to present it. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted to identify determinants of postnatal care utilization. The AOR (Adjusted Odds Ratio) with their 95% CI and p-value ≤0.05 was used to declare that determinates associated with postnatal care utilization. Result The pooled magnitude of postnatal care utilization in sub-Saharan Africa countries was 52.48% [95% CI: 52.33, 52.63], with the highest postnatal care utilization in the Central Region of Africa (73.51%) and the low postnatal care utilization in Eastern Regions of Africa (31.71%). In the multilevel logistic regression model region, residence, age group, maternal education, maternal occupation, media exposure, ANC visit, place of delivery, and accessing health care were determinants of postnatal care utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa. Conclusion The coverage of postnatal care service utilization was low with high disparities among the region. Being in rural residence, young age group, low education level, had no occupation, not exposed to media, a big problem to access health care, not had ANC visit, and home delivery was associated with low postnatal care service utilization. This study evidenced that there is a wide gap in postnatal care utilization between SSA countries. Special attention is required to improve health accessibility, utilization, and quality of maternal health services to increase postnatal care service utilization in the region.

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Preconception Care in Sub Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Prevalence and Its Correlation With Knowledge Level Among Women in Reproductive Age Group

10.21203/rs.3.rs-691458/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Demelash Woldeyohannes ◽

Yohannes Tekalegn ◽

Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽

Desta Erkalo ◽

Zeleke Hailemariam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preconception Care ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Age Group ◽

Knowledge Level ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Ssa Countries ◽

Reproductive Age Group

Abstract BackgroundThe aim of the preconception care (PCC) is to promote the health of women in the reproductive age before the conception in order to reduce preventable poor pregnancy outcomes. Although there are several published primary studies from Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries on PCC, they do not quantify the extent of PCC Utilisation, Knowledge level about PCC and the association between them among women in the reproductive age group in this region. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled utilisation of PCC, Pooled knowledge level about PCC and their association among women in the reproductive age group in Sub Saharan Africa.MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Science Direct, Hinari, Google Scholar and Cochrane library were systematically searched for literature. Additionally, the references of appended articles were checked for further possible sources. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate pooled the prevalence of PCC, knowledge level of PCC and their correlation among reproductive aged women in Sub-Saharan African countries.ResultsOf the identified 1593 articles, 20 studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled utilisation of PCC and good knowledge level towards PCC among women of reproductive age group in Sub Saharan Africa were found to be 24.05% (95% CI: 16.61, 31.49) and 33.27% (95% CI: 24.78, 41.77), respectively. Women in the reproductive age group with good knowledge level were two times more likely to utilize the PCC than the women with poor knowledge level in Sub Saharan Africa (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.16, 4.76). ConclusionIn SSA Countries, the utilisation of PCC and knowledge towards PCC were low. Additionally, the current meta-analysis found good knowledge level to be significantly associated with utilisation of PCC among women in the reproductive age. These findings indicate that, it is imperative to launch programs to uplift knowledge level about PCC utilisation among women in reproductive age group in SSA countries.

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Utilization of Antenatal Care Services in Urban Slums of Nanded City

The Journal of Medical Research ◽

10.31254/jmr.2019.5207 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 69-73

Author(s):

Sunita P. Pawar ◽

◽

Geeta S. Pardeshi ◽

Shriram Gosavi ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Service Utilization ◽

Care Service ◽

Urban Slums ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Care Utilization ◽

Special Focus ◽

Age Group ◽

Care Services ◽

Reproductive Age Group

Background: Complications during pregnancy and delivery are well documented and can be prevented and managed effectively especially with adequate antenatal care. Women in urban slums represent a marginalized community and improving health care utilization in this group remains a challenge. Objective: To study existing antenatal care practices and study the factors associated with it among women of reproductive age group in urban slums of Nanded city. Methods: This is a community based cross sectional descriptive study carried out from March 2010 to April 2011 in which 400 women reporting delivery in past two years were selected using Probability Proportionate Sampling. Data on Sociodemographic factors and different components of antennal care were collected using a Semi structured questionnaire. Analysis was done using chi square test. Results: Among the 400 women included in the study, coverage of full Antenatal care (ANC) services was reported by 80 (20%) respondents. While 381 (95%) women were immunized with Tetanus Toxoid, only 98 (25%) women had consumed 100 or more Iron and Folic acid tablets, 315 (79%) women had three or more antenatal check-ups and 213 (53%) had registered themselves in first trimester of pregnancy. There was significant association between full antenatal care and woman’s education, husband’s education and occupation, religion and socio-economic status of family (<0.05). Conclusion: There is a need to improve the utilization of full antenatal care package among women in urban slums with a special focus on early registration and IFA consumption. Sociodemographic variables of reproductive age group women have impact on utilization of antenatal care services. The risk factors identified for low antenatal care service utilization were low educational status of women and their husbands and low socioeconomic status. Special efforts should be made to motivate this group for antenatal care service utilization

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Postnatal care service utilization and its determinants in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A mixed-method study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0256176 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0256176

Author(s):

Liknaw Bewket Zeleke ◽

Asmare Talie Wondie ◽

Melaku Admas Tibebu ◽

Addisu Alehegn Alemu ◽

Mekuanint Taddele Tessema ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Service Utilization ◽

Postnatal Care ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Service Use ◽

Care Service ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

World Health ◽

Care Utilization ◽

Health Extension Workers ◽

Cross Sectional

Background The days and weeks after childbirth are crucial for both the mother and her newborn child leading for the majority of maternal and perinatal mortalities. The World Health Organization recommends at least three postnatal visits within 42 days after birth. However, postnatal care utilization remains low worldwide. Quantitative findings revealed low utilization of postnatal care in Ethiopia, however, no study explored the barriers for postnatal care. This study aimed to assess the barriers to postnatal care service utilization in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based, mixed type cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15, 2018, to February 15, 2019. The quantitative data was gathered using the interviewer-administered interviewing technique from 751 women who gave birth within one year prior to the study selected by multistage sampling. The qualitative data were collected from purposively sampled women, facility leaders, and health extension workers using in-depth interviews and focused group discussions. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using logistic regression and by the thematic content analysis method, respectively. Results The study revealed that postnatal care service utilization was 34.6%. The odds of using PNC services were greater in women aged 25–34 years and used maternity waiting home. In contrast, women who were muslim religion followers, had normal or instrumental birth, not aware of the PNC services and whose partners were not supportive of the use of MCH services were less likely to use PNC services. According to the qualitative findings, lack of awareness, traditional beliefs and religious practices, distance and transportation, environmental exposure, and waiting time were identified as barriers to PNC service utilization. Conclusion and recommendation The study showed low utilization of PNC services in East Gojjam zone, northwest Ethiopia. Improvements in personal health education, in construction of relevant infrastructure, and to transport, are needed to remove or reduce barriers to PNC service use in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

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Prevalence of Early Postnatal-Care Service Utilization and Its Associated Factors among Mothers in Hawassa Zuria District, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Obstetrics and Gynecology International ◽

10.1155/2021/5596110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Shambel Yoseph ◽

Azmach Dache ◽

Aregahegn Dona

Keyword(s):

Service Utilization ◽

Postnatal Care ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Care Service ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Care Utilization ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Danger Signs ◽

Regional State

Background. A postnatal care given after childbirth is a critical care to promote health and to prevent complications of the mother and newborn. However, utilization of this service is low in Ethiopia, and little is known about its coverage and determinants. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of early postnatal-care service utilization and its associated factors among mothers in Hawassa Zuria district, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 February to 20 March 2020 in Hawassa Zuria District among randomly selected 320 mothers. Data were collected by using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. Data entered were into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analysis with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were conducted. A P value <0.05 was considered a statistically significant association. Finally, the results were presented by texts, tables, and figures. Result. The prevalence of early postnatal-care service utilization was 29.7% (95% CI = 24.7, 35.5). Age below 25 years [AOR = 3.2 (95% CI = 1.37, 7.48)], having planned and supported pregnancy for last birth [AOR = 2.2 (95% CI = 1.13, 4.38)], having information about obstetric danger signs [AOR = 2.1 (95% CI = 1.25, 3.78)], and having positive attitude on use postnatal services [AOR = 3.5 (95% CI = 1.94, 6.32)] were factors associated with early postnatal-care utilization. Conclusion. The finding revealed that early postnatal-care utilization in the study area was low. Strengthening family planning services, giving information on obstetrics danger signs, and creating awareness about postnatal care will improve uptake of the service in a timely manner.

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Timely initiation of antenatal care and its associated factors among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: A multicountry analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0262411 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. e0262411

Author(s):

Adugnaw Zeleke Alem ◽

Yigizie Yeshaw ◽

Alemneh Mekuriaw Liyew ◽

Getayeneh Antehunegn Tesema ◽

Tesfa Sewunet Alamneh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Regression Model ◽

Health Facility ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Logistic Regression Model ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Ssa Countries

Background Timely initiation of antenatal care (ANC) is an important component of ANC services that improve the health of the mother and the newborn. Mothers who begin attending ANC in a timely manner, can fully benefit from preventive and curative services. However, evidence in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) indicated that the majority of pregnant mothers did not start their first visit timely. As our search concerned, there is no study that incorporates a large number of sub-Saharan Africa countries. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of timely initiation of ANC and its associated factors in 36 sSA countries. Methods The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of 36 sSA countries were used for the analysis. The total weighted sample of 233,349 women aged 15–49 years who gave birth in the five years preceding the survey and who had ANC visit for their last child were included. A multi-level logistic regression model was used to examine the individual and community-level factors that influence the timely initiation of ANC. Results were presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results In this study, overall timely initiation of ANC visit was 38.0% (95% CI: 37.8–38.2), ranging from 14.5% in Mozambique to 68.6% in Liberia. In the final multilevel logistic regression model:- women with secondary education (AOR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.11), higher education (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.36, 1.51), women aged 25–34 years (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.23), ≥35 years (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.26, 1.35), women from richest household (AOR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.22), women perceiving distance from the health facility as not a big problem (AOR = 1.05; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.07), women exposed to media (AOR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.26, 1.32), women living in communities with medium percentage of literacy (AOR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.40, 1.63), and women living in communities with high percentage of literacy (AOR = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.38, 1.76) were more likely to initiate ANC timely. However, women who wanted their pregnancy later (AOR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.82, 0.86), wanted no more pregnancy (AOR = 0.80; 95%CI: 0.77, 0.83), and women residing in the rural area (AOR = 0.90; 95%CI: 0.87, 0.92) were less likely to initiate ANC timely. Conclusion Even though the WHO recommends all women initiate ANC within 12 weeks of gestation, sSA recorded a low overall prevalence of timely initiation of ANC. Maternal education, pregnancy intention, residence, age, wealth status, media exposure, distance from health facility, and community-level literacy were significantly associated with timely initiation of ANC. Therefore, intervention efforts should focus on the identified factors in order to improve timely initiation of ANC in sSA. This can be done through the providing information and education to the community on the timing and importance of attending antenatal care and family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancy, especially in rural settings.

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Magnitude and determinants for place of postnatal care utilization among mothers who delivered at home in Ethiopia: a multinomial analysis from the 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-019-0818-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Brhane Gebrekidan Ayele ◽

Mulugeta Abrha Woldu ◽

Haftom Weldearegay Gebrehiwot ◽

Equbay Gebru Gebre-egziabher ◽

Hailay Gebretnsae ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Service Utilization ◽

Postnatal Care ◽

Care Service ◽

Wealth Index ◽

Urban Region ◽

Care Utilization ◽

Bank Account ◽

Home Based ◽

At Home

Abstract Introduction Above half of mothers in Ethiopia give birth at home. Home based care within the first week after birth as a complementary strategy to facility-based postnatal care service is critical to increase the survival of both mothers and newborns. However, evidence on utilization of postnatal care and location of service among mothers who delivered at home in Ethiopia is insufficiently documented. Therefore, this study assessed the magnitude and determinants for place of postnatal care service utilization among mothers who delivered at home in Ethiopia. Methods We used the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, and extracted data from 4491 mothers who delivered at home during 5 years preceding the survey. A multinomial logistic regression model was applied to examine the determinants of both facility and home -based postnatal care service utilization. Likelihood ratio test was used to see the model fitness and p-value of < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance at 95% confidence interval. Results From the total 4491 mothers who delivered at home, only 130(2.9%) and 236(5.3%) of them utilized postnatal service at home and at a health facility respectively. Being from an urban region (AOR = 0.378, 95%CI: 0.193–0.740), ever using the calendar method to delay pregnancy (AOR = 0.528, 95%CI: 0.337–0.826), receiving four and above antenatal care visits (AOR = 0.245, 95%CI: 0.145–0.413) and having a bank account (AOR = 0.479, 95%CI: 0.243–0.943) were the factors associated with utilizing home- based postnatal care. Similarly being a follower of the orthodox religion (AOR = 1.698, 95%CI: 1.137–2.536), being in the rich wealth index (AOR = 0.608, 95%CI: 0.424–0.873), ever using the calendar method to delay pregnancy (AOR = 0.694, 95%CI: 0.499–0.966), wantedness of the pregnancy (AOR = 0.264, 95%CI: 0.352–0.953), receiving four and above antenatal care visits (AOR = 0.264, 95%CI: 0.184–0.380) and listening to radio at least once a week (AOR = 0.652, 95%CI: 0.432–0.984) were the determinants of facility-based postnatal care utilization. Conclusion The coverage of postnatal care service utilization among mothers who delivered at home was very low. Living in urban region, following the Orthodox religion, having higher wealth index, having a bank account, ever using calendar method to delay pregnancy, wantedness of the pregnancy, receiving four and above antenatal care visit and listening to radio at least weakly were associated with postnatal care service utilization. Therefore, targeted measures to improve socio-economic status, strengthen the continuum of care, and increase health literacy communication are critically important to increase postnatal care service utilization among women who deliver at home in Ethiopia.

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Determinants of completing recommended antenatal care utilization in sub-Saharan from 2006 to 2018: evidence from 36 countries using Demographic and Health Surveys

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03669-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zemenu Tadesse Tessema ◽

Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale ◽

Getayeneh Antehunegn Tesema ◽

Koku Sisay Tamirat

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Logistic Regression Model ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Care Utilization ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽

Maternal Deaths ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Antenatal Care Utilization ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Every day in 2017, approximately 810 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, with 99% of these maternal deaths occurring in low and lower-middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) alone accounts for roughly 66%. If pregnant women gained recommended ANC (Antenatal Care), these maternal deaths could be prevented. Still, many women lack recommended ANC in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at determining the pooled prevalence and determinants of recommended ANC utilization in SSA. Methods We used the most recent standard demographic and health survey data from the period of 2006 to 2018 for 36 SSA countries. A total of 260,572 women who had at least one live birth 5 years preceding the survey were included in this study. A meta-analysis of DHS data of the Sub-Saharan countries was conducted to generate pooled prevalence, and a forest plot was used to present it. A multilevel multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify determinants of recommended ANC utilization. The AOR (Adjusted Odds Ratio) with their 95% CI and p-value ≤0.05 was used to declare the recommended ANC utilization determinates. Results The pooled prevalence of recommended antenatal care utilization in sub-Saharan Africa countries were 58.53% [95% CI: 58.35, 58.71], with the highest recommended ANC utilization in the Southern Region of Africa (78.86%) and the low recommended ANC utilization in Eastern Regions of Africa (53.39%). In the multilevel multivariable logistic regression model region, residence, literacy level, maternal education, husband education, maternal occupation, women health care decision autonomy, wealth index, media exposure, accessing health care, wanted pregnancy, contraceptive use, and birth order were determinants of recommended ANC utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa. Conclusion The coverage of recommended ANC service utilization was with high disparities among the region. Being a rural residence, illiterate, low education level, had no occupation, low women autonomy, low socioeconomic status, not exposed to media, a big problem to access health care, unplanned pregnancy, not use of contraceptive were determinants of women that had no recommended ANC utilization in SSA. This study evidenced the existence of a wide gap between SSA regions and countries. Special attention is required to improve health accessibility, utilization, and quality of maternal health services.

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Prevalence and Determinants of Complete Postnatal Care Service Utilization in Northern Shoa, Ethiopia

Journal of Pregnancy ◽

10.1155/2018/8625437 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Mohammed Akibu ◽

Wintana Tsegaye ◽

Tewodros Megersa ◽

Sodere Nurgi

Keyword(s):

Service Utilization ◽

Postnatal Care ◽

Care Service ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Care Utilization ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Risk Of Death

Background. Postnatal period presents the highest risk of death for mothers and newborns. Although progress has been made in expanding the coverage for most of maternal health services, national prevalence of postnatal care service utilization in Ethiopia is still extremely limited. Hence, this study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with complete postnatal care service utilization in Northern Shoa, Ethiopia. Methods. Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2016 and February 2017. A total of 510 mothers were included in the study using multistage sampling technique. The data were collected through face-to-face interview. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with complete postnatal care utilization at p value of < 0.05. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results. The prevalence of complete postnatal care utilization was found to be 28.4% in the study area. Mode of delivery (AOR=5.7, 95% CI = 3.9, 19), number of children (AOR= 2.5 95% CI, 1.4, 14.2), and level of education (AOR=3.2 95% CI, 1.1, 9.2) were the factors statistically associated with complete postnatal service uptake. Being healthy was the major (48.8%) reason mentioned for not complying with the recommended three postnatal visits. Conclusion. The prevalence of complete postnatal care service in the study area was found to be low, and it is far less than the targeted zonal and regional plan. Reinforcing the existing policies and strategies to increase women level of awareness about postnatal care and intensive counseling during antenatal care and delivery are the recommendations based upon the current finding.

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Early Postnatal Care Service Utilization and Its Determinants among Women Who Gave Birth in the Last 6 Months in Wonago District, South Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Obstetrics and Gynecology International ◽

10.1155/2021/4286803 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Yordanos Tefera ◽

Samirawit Hailu ◽

Ruth Tilahun

Keyword(s):

Service Utilization ◽

Postnatal Care ◽

Care Service ◽

Critical Time ◽

Educational Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Care Utilization ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of

Background. Postnatal care is one of the key strategies to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Early postnatal visit is especially the most critical time for survival of mothers and newborns, particularly through early detection and management of postpartum complication. Despite the benefits, most mothers and newborns do not receive postnatal care services from health care providers during the critical first few days after delivery. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess utilization of early postnatal care service and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last six months in Wonago District, Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed at Wonago District. A total of 612 mothers who gave birth in the last six months were selected by simple random sampling technique. Pretested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used. Result. In this study, 13.7% of mothers utilized early postnatal care. Educational status of mothers (AOR = 3.7 : 95 CI; 1.3–10.7), place of delivery (AOR: 1.8 : 95 CI; 1.03–3.2), ANC attendance (AOR = 3.4 : 95 CI; 1.1–10.09), development of complication after delivery (AOR: 7.8 : 95 CI; 3.7–16.2), and previous history of postnatal care utilization (AOR: 2.1 : 95 CI; 1.13–3.9) were found to be associated with early postnatal care service utilization. Conclusion and Recommendations. Educational status of mothers, ANC attendance, place of delivery, delivery complication while giving recent birth, and past history of postnatal care utilization were significant predictors for early postnatal care utilization. Considering this, empowering women with education and overall strengthening of health facility to improve maternal health service utilization are necessary measures to be done at different levels to enhance early postnatal care utilization during this critical time.

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A Review of Energy Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa as a Transition Pathway to Energy Democracy

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13042128 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 2128

Author(s):

Amollo Ambole ◽

Kweku Koranteng ◽

Peris Njoroge ◽

Douglas Logedi Luhangala

Keyword(s):

Stakeholder Engagement ◽

Energy Systems ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Energy Access ◽

Energy Projects ◽

Global North ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Energy Justice ◽

Design Proposal ◽

Ssa Countries

Energy communities have received considerable attention in the Global North, especially in Europe, due to their potential for achieving sustainable energy transitions. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), energy communities have received less attention partly due to the nascent energy systems in many emerging SSA states. In this paper, we argue that these nascent energy systems offer an opportunity to co-create energy communities that can tackle the energy access challenges faced by most SSA countries. To understand how such energy communities are realised in the sub-region, we undertake a systematic review of research on energy communities in 46 SSA countries. Our findings show that only a few energy projects exhibit the conventional characteristics of energy communities; In most of these projects, local communities are inadequately resourced to institute and manage their own projects. We thus look to stakeholder engagement approaches to propose co-design as a strategy for strengthening energy communities in SSA. We further embed our co-design proposal in energy democracy thinking to argue that energy communities can be a pathway towards equity and energy justice in SSA. We conclude that energy communities can indeed contribute to improving energy access in Africa, but they need an enabling policy environment to foster their growth and sustainability.

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