The Determinants of Household’s Adoption of Solar Energy in Rural Ethiopia: The Case Study of Gurage Zone
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Date
2019-06
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A.A.U.
Abstract
In rural Ethiopian traditional fuels like kerosene and firewood are the main sources of energy used for lighting purpose. They are a major factor for environmental problems and health risks that affect the wellbeing of low-income rural households. However, Ethiopia has a vast potential for renewable energy resources like solar energy that have not fully utilized. The main aim of the study was to assess the determinants of household adoption of solar energy in the Gurage zone. In order to achieve the objective of the study, data were collected from 384 households using a survey questionnaire from Cheha and Ezha woredas. The collected survey data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and econometric model (probit model). The result of the probit model reveals that the adoption of solar energy has a positive and significant relation with household income, remittances, education, marital status and ownership of cattle. But the adoption of solar energy has a negative and significant relation with household size, sex, and age. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government should enhance in poverty alleviation program in rural areas and improve rural household wealth, increase access to education and encourage women by giving especial service like credit access and creating awareness, to increase the adoption of solar energy technology.
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Keywords
Adoption, Determinants, Ethiopian, Households