PLS algorithm for estimating quality rural electricity on household income in Tanzania. Technological Sustainability

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims at discussing the impact of quality electricity on household income (HI) in rural areas with complementarities and intermediary resources context. Design/methodology/approach – Partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to estimate complex variables of quality electricity (QEC), development assets (DEA) and individual motivation (IMO) on rural HI. Age, education and gender were treated as moderators of antecedents for HI whilst household strength (HS) was treated as a mediator. Findings – The findings show that QEC is an important predictor for HI in rural areas. In similar vein, land, social network, financial and physical resources cannot be undermined in bringing HI on stage. Moreover, IMO is a best complementary for electricity to bear impact on income. In fact, income cannot be equated with one factor; hence, moderating roles of education and gender should be considered. Research limitations/implications – The results are limited to QEC, IMO and DEA as key resources which are associated with HI. Practical implications. The findings should be twinned with rural development policy. There must be a multi-dimensional approach in diversifying development resources to the rural people for aggregated benefits. Social implications – The rural communities remain in dire need of electricity which is a precious resource for income generation. Electricity works better with other resources. Originality/value – Previous scholars have inferred HI in relation to electricity. Income is a function of many resources. This study inculcated complementariness and intermediaries along QEC. Unique PLS-SEM was used in rethinking some of the rethinking of QEC–income relationships