Women Inclusion and Adoption of Sustainable Energy Systems: The Case of Solar and Bio-Gas in Uganda

Abstract

Access to affordable and reliable sustainable energy is key to development and achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Energy for all by 2030 initiative. Females constitute the biggest percentage of the total population in Uganda. Women are the main users of energy through domestic chores. Women use women groups for inclusion in the general development of communities and households. Despite the apparent knowledge in sustainable energy, values and attitudes often fail to materialize in actual adoption of renewable energies. Whereas there are many women groups in Uganda, the level of sustainable energy systems adoption is still low and inadequate. This study investigated the relationship between inclusion of women in groups and sustainable energy systems adoption, the case of Solar and Bio-gas in Uganda. The study was underpinned by the social identity theory and the innovation diffusion theory. The study was cross sectional. 242 women groups were sampled for the study. Findings indicate that there is a positive relationship between women inclusion and adoption of sustainable energy systems. Women groups should be used for effective promotion and adoption of Sustainable Energy technologies. Information should be provided to women groups to encourage sustainable energy adoption.