Impacts of hydropower development on locals’ livelihoods in the Global South

•We ran a medium-N study based on a qualitative meta-analysis and a fsQCA to explore the impacts of 33 large-dams on livelihoods in the Global South.•Natural, social, human, and financial capital are negatively impacted, whereas physical capital is positively impacted.•We showed the relationship between the lack of participation of local communities in decision-making and the negative impacts on livelihoods.•Regardless of the energy security status of a nation, the larger the dam, the more negative impacts it will have on people’s capital.•The WCD has played an important role in raising awareness about dams’ impacts and reducing negative impacts on livelihoods.