Browsing by Author "Malima, Gabriel C."

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Experimenting with local electricity markets in China – multilevel drivers and barriers in the sociotechnical regime
(Elsevier Ltd., 2020-11) Uhde, Helena; Malima, Gabriel C.
As part of its market reforms in the energy sector, the Chinese central government introduced local electricity market pilots in 2019. Through the integration of renewable resources and the possibility for consumers to participate, local electricity markets not only support the centralized electricity grid, but also form a new alternative for electricity distribution. Based on the socio-technical transition theory, this paper aims to present a multi-level perspective on local electricity markets in China and to identify drivers and barriers to their implementation. The Chinese government's “experimental governance” strategy is identified as niche management for local electricity markets and therefore as an important driver for the market development. However, the current state of the socio-technical regime with its is characterized by rigid structures has created some barriers that can only be partially overcome by new opportunities that arise in the niches.
Gender and mechanization: Exploring the sustainability of mechanized forage chopping in Tanzania
(Elsevier Ltd., 2018-11) Fischer, Gundula; Wittich, Simon; Malima, Gabriel C.; Sikumba, Gregory; Lukuyu, Ben; Ngunga, David; Rugalabam, Jacqueline
Mechanization is currently experiencing a revival in agricultural research and development, with a new emphasis on equity and sustainability. This study evaluates the introduction of forage chopper machines in seven villages in northern Tanzania from a farmer's perspective. Data collected through focus group discussions and a survey are used for a gender analysis of this technology within a broader sustainable intensification indicator framework. The results not only draw attention to unabated challenges to smallholder mechanization (such as high operational costs or weak supporting infrastructures), but also show how the technology's sustainability is contingent upon equity dynamics on the household and community levels. The evaluation framework proved suitable for a holistic assessment. A broader approach to gender issues would strengthen its interdisciplinary claim. Suggestions for promoting the chopper's sustainability include gender-sensitive training and the establishment of group models for machine operation based on agreed and fair regulations.
Life cycle environmental assessment of electric and internal combustion engine vehicles in China
(Elsevier Ltd., 2021-02-20) Yang, Lai; Yu, Biying; Yang, Bo; Chen, Hao; Malima, Gabriel C.; Wei, Yi-Ming
Promoting electric vehicles (EVs) is an important measure to ensure energy security, improve air quality, and mitigate global climate change. However, the emission reduction impacts of EVs in China have been widely debated and the conclusions of existing studies are still controversial. In this study, we adopted the life cycle assessment (LCA) method to evaluate the carbon dioxide (CO2) and air pollutant emissions from the stage of vehicle production, vehicle use and vehicle end-of-life. We further compared the emissions of three types of passenger vehicles in China, including internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and battery electric vehicle (BEV). Compared with ICEV, BEV and PHEV were found to reduce the emissions of CO2, VOCs, and NOX, but increase the emissions of PM2.5 and SO2. These differences were primarily caused by EV’s high fuel efficiency and high fuel consumption of ICEV. Additional findings indicate that the emissions of PM2.5 and SO2 of BEV were 2.6 and 2.1 times that of ICEV, respectively; and the emissions of PM2.5 and SO2 of PHEV were 1.8 and 1.5 times that of ICEV, respectively. Moreover, we found the emissions of PM2.5 and SO2 of EV will be higher than that of ICEV in high renewable energy scenario with higher biomass share if keeping the emission factor of electricity constant.
Purchasing and up-scaling of the privatized advisory services: An innovation perspective on privatized soil testing in Africa
(Taylor & Francis Online, 2020-05-31) Malima, Gabriel C.; Eshetie, Saba; Rahaman, Abdulai; Mrosso, Pastory; Witteveen, Loes
As the trend of privatizing agricultural advisory services grows in developing countries, the need for the systematic thinking in innovation development is of interest for private companies that are trying to introduce various technologies in the agriculture sector. We explored the factors that affect the purchasing and upscaling of the privatized agricultural advisory services. We used a mobile soil testing service offered by a private company in Kenya as a case study. Additionally, we conducted minor explorations in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Tanzania. Our study found out that, while the service with its financial arrangement seems to be accepted by farmers, the social organization of system institutions is complex because not only technical factors but also social factors influenced adoption of the service. The study is an exemplifying case of the relevance of modeling innovations as complex configurations in a dynamic system of diverse actors in a community.