Implications of institutional frameworks for renewable energy policy administration: Case study of the Esaghem, Cameroon community PV solar electrification project

This study analyzed a rural renewable energy project the Esaghem Village solar photovoltaic-based electrification project in Manyu Division, Cameroon. The aim was to unveil impediments to the project rooted in the country's institutional framework for energy policy administration. The framework adheres to the country's Weberian-style administrative machinery. Conspicuous features of the machinery, including its pyramidal structure, tendency for top-down hierarchical communication, aversion for interorganizational interaction, and standardization are shown to constitute major institutional impediments. These features caused problems such as a lack of information, skills, and innovation. They also exacerbated problems relating to custom formalities and stand to threaten project sustainability. Administrative reform actions including the promotion of inter-organizational coordination, administration decentralization reinforced with the creation of renewable energy extension programs, and market-oriented liberalization measures are recommended. These reforms promise to facilitate the diffusion of solar PV electrification and other renewable energy technologies in Cameroon and other developing countries.