Our theory of Change

The GEMS (Grassroots Energy Management Support) project aims to transform the lives of rural Indian households by introducing sustainable energy solutions. This transformation is achieved through strategic interventions designed to address these communities' ecological and economic challenges. The theory of change outlines how GEMS offers value and makes the proposed changes feasible and actionable, highlighting the assumptions that underlie the project and how the design builds on these assumptions.

• Problem Statement

Rural Indian households are currently facing a pressing issue. They predominantly rely on polluting fuels such as firewood and kerosene for cooking and lighting. This reliance leads to significant health risks, environmental degradation, and economic inefficiencies. Women and children, primarily responsible for fuel collection and cooking, are the most affected by indoor air pollution and time-consuming fuel collection activities.

• Key Interventions and Outcomes

  
  

  1. Replacing Open-Pit Cooking with Low-Smoke Cooking Stoves

  • Action: Introduce low-smoke cooking stoves to reduce indoor air pollution and firewood consumption.

  • Outcome: Improved health outcomes for women and children, reduced deforestation, and time saved on fuel collection.

    
    

  2. Replacing Kerosene/Oil Lamps with Solar-Cell Lamps

  • Action: Distribute solar-cell lamps to eliminate using kerosene/ oil for lighting.

  • Outcome: Enhanced indoor air quality, cost savings, and better lighting for educational activities.

    
    

  3. Consensus Building and Economic Empowerment

  • Action: Engage local volunteers and GEMS Pioneers to build consensus and promote income-generating activities using the time saved from the energy transition.

  • Outcome: Community buy-in, enhanced economic opportunities for women, and sustainable adoption of new technologies.

    
    

  4. Dual Benefit Approach

  • Action: Combine ecological sustainability with economic empowerment by integrating carbon credit trading to fund ongoing and future projects.

  • Outcome: Long-term financial sustainability, reduced carbon emissions, and improved household incomes.

    
    

• Assumptions Underlying the Project

  
  

  1. Community Willingness to Change

  • Assumption: Rural communities are willing to adopt new technologies and practices if they see clear benefits.

  • Design Response: The project includes extensive community engagement and education to demonstrate the benefits of low-smoke stoves and solar-cell lamps.

    
    

  2. Availability and Accessibility of Technologies

  • Assumption: Low-smoke stoves and solar-cell lamps are available and affordable for rural households.

  • Design Response: GEMS ensures these technologies are provided at subsidized rates, making them accessible to the target population.

    
    

  3. Economic Viability of Carbon Credits

  • Assumption: Carbon credit trading can provide a sustainable revenue stream for the project.

  • Design Response: GEMS integrates carbon credit tracking and trading as a core component, ensuring ongoing financial support.

    
    

  4. Local Capacity for Implementation

  • Assumption: Local volunteers and leaders can be trained to support implementing and maintaining new technologies.

  • Design Response: The project includes comprehensive Training of Trainers (TOT) programs to build local capacity.

    
    

  5. Positive Health and Environmental Impact

  • Assumption: Adopting low-smoke stoves and solar-cell lamps will bring significant health and environmental benefits.

  • Design Response: The project is designed with monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track health improvements and environmental impact.

    
    

• Feasibility and Actionability

  
  

  1. Community Engagement

  • GEMS employs a village-centric strategy, ensuring that interventions are tailored to each community's specific needs and cultural contexts. This approach fosters local ownership and sustainability.

    
    

  2. Comprehensive Training Programs

  • Training of Trainers (TOT) programs equip local leaders and volunteers with the skills needed to support adopting and maintaining new technologies. This ensures that knowledge and skills are retained within the community.

    
    

  3. Affordable and Accessible Solutions

  • GEMS provides cost-effective solutions, such as low-smoke stoves and solar lamps, at subsidized rates. This affordability is crucial for widespread adoption and long-term impact.

    
    

  4. Strategic Partnerships

  • Collaborations with local governments, NGOs, and international organizations enhance the reach and impact of GEMS initiatives. These partnerships provide additional resources and support for implementation.

    
    

  5. Economic Incentives

  • The integration of carbon credit trading provides a sustainable revenue stream to fund GEMS activities. This innovative approach aligns with global environmental goals and ensures the project can scale and sustain itself financially.

    
    

By addressing rural households' environmental and economic needs, GEMS creates a holistic model of change that is both practical and impactful. The project leverages local knowledge, affordable technologies, and strategic partnerships to achieve its mission, ensuring that the benefits of energy transition are accessible to the most vulnerable populations.

GEMS is committed to continuous improvement and adaptation, using feedback from the field to refine its approaches and maximize its impact. This theory of change underpins all GEMS activities, guiding the project towards achieving its vision of a healthier, more sustainable future for rural India.