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SELCO Foundation

Diffusing a User-centered Ecosystem Approach to Sustainable Livelihood Promotion

Woman cleaning solar panel

The SELCO Foundation, established by Harish Hande in 2010, focuses on providing decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions to rural, impoverished communities, emphasizing a user-centered, ecosystem-based approach. The Foundation aims to integrate sustainable energy solutions within the daily lives and activities of users through comprehensive support structures, involving technical, financial, and community partnerships.

SELCO's methodology is characterized by a design-thinking approach that considers the entire ecosystem surrounding the end-user. This involves understanding user needs, developing customized devices, securing appropriate financing, and ensuring maintenance and support through local networks. The Foundation works closely with rural households, small technical enterprises, financial institutions, and community organizations to pilot and scale interventions, creating what Hande terms "Lego Blocks" of innovation that can be adapted by other development organizations globally.

Despite its innovative model, the SELCO Foundation faces several challenges in diffusing its approach to other organizations. One significant challenge is the fragmented and often outdated support ecosystems in under-developed regions, such as India’s Northeast. Often, SELCO must incubate new support organizations rather than merely aligning existing ones, complicating project scopes, especially in regions lacking the necessary ecosystem components entirely.

Cultural and geographical specificity presents another difficulty, requiring tailored interventions unique to each region. What works in one area may not be directly replicable elsewhere, complicating diffusion efforts. Financially, other organizations may find that securing patient, long-term funding to support iterative, ecosystem-building approach is difficult, as traditional funders often prioritize immediate results.