Frugality in community practice: everyday life in Uganda’s off-grid energy services

Purpose: This study aims how Frugality occurs within specific social and institutional contexts through the lens of Frugal Innovation (FI). It focuses particularly on the local practices and implementation processes surrounding the product, rather than on the product itself. Using an off-grid solar lantern rental business in Uganda as a case study, it seeks to clarify how Frugality is formed within local life practices and relationships during the operation and use of the service. Design / Methodology / Approach: This study is based on qualitative fieldwork in Uganda, which involved semi-structured interviews with service providers, local agents, and users, as well as field observations. Data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti, combining deductive and inductive methods. Findings: Based on the analysis, the solar lantern itself, designed and manufactured outside of Uganda, does not clearly exhibit typical characteristics of Frugal design. However, still the practices of those involved in service provision and use, including repair, feedback, payment, and collaboration, displayed how Frugality is socially shaped and sustained. These activities helped as mechanisms that enabled daily life through creativity and collaboration, despite resource and institutional constraints. Originality / Value: This study presents a complementary perspective that focuses on aspects of Frugality emerging within local practices and social relationships. Through examining this case, it suggests the possibility of understanding Frugality as a context-rooted, dynamic practice.