Shifting perspectives: exploring land tenure transformation through six community-based solar energy projects in the global south (Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Namibia, Indonesia, and Peru)

Abstract Background Sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy, and while renewable energy minigrid and microgrid systems are regarded as a promising solution for achieving energy transition and supporting rural development in the global south, the complex relationship between the adoption of renewable energy systems and land tenure systems within rural communities remains a critical aspect that has often been overlooked in this context. This study addresses this gap by examining how small-scale community-based renewable energy systems influence land tenure transformations and whether shifts in land tenure patterns drive changes in renewable energy adoption and management strategies. Results This research adopts a qualitative comparative case study methodology, examining six community-based solar energy projects in Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Namibia, Indonesia, and Peru. Using an adapted socio-ecological systems framework based on Ostrom’s principles, the study analyzes six outcome parameters: governance, land tenure, socio-spatial relations, economic dependencies, perception, and behavior. The findings reveal complex interactions between land tenure and renewable energy adoption, demonstrating that the introduction of renewable energy systems has the potential to reshape land tenure paradigms. Specifically, changes in socio-spatial relations and economic dependencies were identified as key factors that influence community responses to renewable energy projects. These shifts also affect local governance structures, perceptions, and community behavior towards both land and energy systems. Conclusions The results highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between land tenure and renewable energy initiatives to foster effective rural development. Recognizing these dynamics can inform policy and practice, ensuring that renewable energy interventions are aligned with local land tenure realities and contribute to sustainable socio-economic transformations.