Barriers and Opportunities for Renewable Energy Adoption in Rural Communities of Kabwe District, Zambia

Zambia generates over 80% of its electricity from hydropower, but climate-induced droughts and long dry spells have greatly reduced reservoir levels, making this energy source less reliable. Even though the country has plenty of solar energy, only a small number of rural areas have access to electricity, and about 7 million rural Zambians still live without reliable power. This study looks at the challenges and opportunities for using renewable energy in rural areas of Kabwe District, Zambia. The research used a mixed-methods approach, combining data from a survey of 163 households with interviews and group discussions with 30 key people and 3 groups. The study used the Technology Acceptance Model and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory to guide the analysis. The results show that nearly half of the households have used some form of renewable energy, mostly solar home systems. Most people who haven’t adopted renewable energy are willing to do so. The biggest problems are high installation costs, lack of local maintenance, and low household income. Education was the strongest factor influencing adoption. The study concludes that large-scale and small-scale solar projects could help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 and improve Zambia’s climate resilience and energy variety.