CRYPTO-COWS AND VILLAGE CHIEFS: BLOCKCHAIN MICRO-GRIDS REWIRING KINSHIP IN KP’S HIGHLAND VALLEYS

Abstract

This paper will discuss the way in which blockchain can transform to change the nature of the kinship in highland valleys in Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), one of the provinces, post-implementation of blockchain-based micro-grid. This study focuses on the burning question of access to energy in the districts remote regions, as well as concerning the social and economic effects of decentralizing power distribution through the usage of blockchain technology. The aims of the current study will be to examine the effects of blockchain micro-grids on the systems of power in the local area, kinships, and the allocation of resources in rural households. This study will apply a mixed-methodology because it will utilize the results of a survey as quantitative information and interviews with community leaders and energy providers as the qualitative one. The main conclusions indicate that blockchain has the potential to increase energy security, give more power to the local leaders, and lead to a fairer distribution of resources. Closure of the article notes on the need to scale up the use of the emerging technology such as blockchain as a way of mitigating the scope of energy shortage and enhancing social economic growth. The article will be of relevance to the current body of knowledge on blockchain and its application in rural energy systems, where one will get information regarding probable socio-political ramifications of placing such systems in the third world.