Influence of social-cultural practices on the adoption of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in Uganda

Abstract

The desired widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies is yet to be achieved partly due to the different ways people appreciate and use energy depending on the local culture and practices. In order to improve our understanding of this behavior, the current study set out to examine the influence of social-cultural practices on the adoption of renewable energy technologies in Uganda using the theoretical foundations of the energy culture framework- ECF. A total of 439 households from three urban districts in central Uganda participated in the study. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with Smart PLS 3.0 data management tool. The findings indicate that social practices such as TV watching, phone charging, use of solar-powered appliances, and routine -habitual energy usage positively influence the adoption of renewable energy technologies. However, cooking practices such as traditional cooking methods, use of smoke and fire in food preparation and preservation, and preference for traditional cook-places do not influence the adoption of renewable energy technologies. These results contribute to the spread and usage of renewable energy technologies by highlighting that social practices and habits need to be considered in policy formulation and promotional campaigns that encourage more renewable energy usage.