Towards Productive Use of Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems in Rural Communities: A Review of Push and Pull Factors

Abstract

Governments, non-governmental organizations and international development agencies widely promote rural electrification to advance Sustainable Development Goal 7 and improve livelihoods. Despite widespread institutional promotion, expanded electricity access does not automatically translate into productive use, a gap that constrains the impact of solar photovoltaic investments in rural areas. This article presents a PRISMA-guided systematic review examining the push and pull factors shaping the productive use of solar photovoltaic water pumping systems in rural communities of developing countries. The review focuses on solar photovoltaic water pumping systems, a pathway linking electrification to productive use. Literature published between 2015 and 2025 was systematically sourced from Scopus and Web of Science. Following PRISMA screening procedures, thematic analysis conducted on 29 peer-reviewed studies. Findings show that institutional push is most evident through