An Informal Settlement Case Study – A Systems Thinking Logic Applied to Energy Poverty Situations

Abstract

This article applies a systems thinking logic to analyse energy poverty situations, using the Sofia informal settlement, a representative energy-poor community in South Africa, as a case study. Energy poverty in such communities transliterates into three interrelated energy poverty systems – material cultures, cognitive norms, and energy practices. The study investigates energy-related parameters and elements contributing to energy poverty in Sofia and similar informal settlements across South Africa. By adopting the systems thinking, these elements are identified and integrated into subsystems within the Energy Poverty Systems, modelled into the energy poverty model. The synergistic interactions influencing energy poverty are captured using causal loop diagrams. These diagrams offer a systems perspective on energy poverty analysis, providing actionable insights into critical gaps and intervention opportunities. The findings are intended to inform policies and tailored, inclusive interventions motivating sustainable energy access in informal settlements across South Africa.

Keywords

• energy poverty systems
• energy poverty model
• informal settlements
• systems thinking
• causal loop diagrams