Perception and Knowledge of Solar Photovoltaic Technology in Climate Change Mitigation by Households in Embu County, Kenya
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Date
2024-03
Authors
Njeru, Pamella Camu
Ndunda, Ezekiel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
JGEESI
Abstract
Climatic changes continue to impact our ecosystems and livelihoods globally. In the past few
decades, have experienced an increase in unpredictable and extreme weather events, precipitating
to the three planetary crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. Embu County in
Kenya has not been spared from the resultant climate change impacts. Although globally solar
energy is promoted as a sustainable source of energy, its uptake in Embu County remains low. The
study sought to assess the uptake of solar photovoltaic technology by households in climate
change mitigation and identify the determinants of solar photovoltaic technology uptake. Cross
sectional data from a sample size of 395 households in Mbeere- north Sub County in Embu County
was collected using data collection tools including questionnaires, interviews, and observations.
Purposive and simple random sampling was employed to select the respondents for inclusion in the
study. After data collection, qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed to
analyze the data including SPSS (statistical package for the social sciences). The results indicate
an overall increasing temperature and overall decreasing rainfall in Embu County. Income
demonstrated a greater influence compared to other factors in determining the decision to adopt
solar appliances at p =0.397. A significant proportion of respondents (36.9%) reported having
limited awareness of climate change and its impacts. Social and mass media were main sources of
climate information. There was a positive significant correlation between respondents who
displayed awareness of climate change and its impacts and the adoption of solar energy and
awareness on solar energy adoption as a solution to climate change at p values of 0.348 and
0.140. The results assisted in assessing the uptake of solar photovoltaic in climate change
mitigation in Embu County and identify the determinants driving households on the uptake of solar
photovoltaic technology.
Description
Article
Keywords
Solar energy, climate change, climate renewable energy
Citation
Njeru, P. C., & Ndunda, E. (2024). Perception and Knowledge of Solar Photovoltaic Technology in Climate Change Mitigation by Households in Embu County, Kenya. Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International, 28(4), 27-40.