According to the latest census, 26% of households in rural areas of Myanmar relied on candles for lighting in 2014. Candles are an expensive and often dangerous source of lighting. Switching from candles to solar energy systems for lighting can provide a safer, higher quality and a cheaper source of lighting.
This briefing paper explores the economics of candle use in rural areas and the non-economic incentives for women and men to switch to electric sources of lighting such as solar energy. It is based on primary research conducted in rural Chin State in Myanmar.
