Social-Cultural Beliefs and Behavioral Intentions to Adopt Renewable Energy Technologies in Uganda

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of social-cultural beliefs on behavioral intentions to adopt renewable energy technologies-RETs. Using the theory of planned behaviour framework, the study validated social-cultural beliefs as indispensable antecedents of people's behavioral intentions to adopt RETs. An explanatory quantitative research design was adopted, and data was collected using a survey questionnaire from a sample of 369 households in 3 urban districts of Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono in Uganda. PLS-SEM was then used for data analysis. Findings revealed that perceptions and religious beliefs influenced behavioral intentions to adopt RETs well as cultural beliefs did not have a substantial influence on intentions. Perceptions concerning the usefulness, usability and consequences of adopting RETs influenced intentions more than the other beliefs. With the help of these findings, promoters of RETs will be able to nurture positive perceptions and attitudes necessary for the success of these technologies. However, the applicability of these findings may be limited by the omission of factors closely related to beliefs like attitudes and norms from the research model that produced these results.