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0ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ НАУКИ
ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IN EAST AFRICA: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES AFFECTING IT
Iradukunda Josee
Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
(RUDN), Moscow
ВНЕДРЕНИЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ И УСТОЙЧИВЫХ СТРОИТЕЛЬНЫХ МАТЕРИАЛОВ В ВОСТОЧНОЙ АФРИКЕ: ПРЕОДОЛЕНИЕ ПРЕПЯТСТВИЙ, ВЛИЯЮЩИХ НА ЭТО
Ирадукунда Джоси
Российский университет дружбы народов имени Патриса Лумумбы
(РУДН), г. Москва
ABSTRACT
Overcoming obstacles to the adoption of technology and sustainable construction materials in East Africa is a crucial step in achieving lasting transformations within the construction industry. The sub-region in general has numerous obstacles that disturb the adoption of sustainable technologies and construction materials, which can be summarized into, insufficient government support, lack of public awareness, poor technical capability, institutional weakness, and more. This study, therefore, has 3 specific objectives which is firstly to identify and analyze the major obstacles preventing the adoption of sustainable technology and construction materials in East Africa. Secondly, It aims to highlight successful case studies that demonstrate potential for development in the East African construction sector by adopting sustainable technologies and construction materials. Thirdly, the study seeks to provide detailed solutions and recommendations for overcoming the identified obstacles while specifying potential limitations. The main objective of this study is to proffer solutions to the obstacles facing the adoption of technology and sustainable construction materials in East Africa.
This research discusses key strategies for addressing these challenges, including government regulations, collaboration, education, value engineering, and infrastructure investment, and also provides justified recommendations to key stakeholders like the government, construction companies, and workers. It emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches that consider regional diversity and acknowledges limitations related to resource constraints, regulatory challenges, and changing policies. The study found that by implementing these strategies, the construction industry in East Africa can pave the way for sustainable growth and development while mitigating environmental impacts.
АННОТАЦИЯ
Преодоление препятствий на пути внедрения технологий и устойчивых строительных материалов в Восточной Африке является важным шагом в достижении долгосрочных преобразований в строительной отрасли. В целом в субрегионе существует множество препятствий, которые мешают внедрению устойчивых технологий и строительных материалов, которые можно свести к недостаточной государственной поддержке, отсутствию общественной осведомленности, слабым техническим возможностям, институциональной слабости и т. д. Таким образом, данное исследование преследует 3 конкретные цели, которые заключаются в том, чтобы, во-первых, выявить и проанализировать основные препятствия, препятствующие внедрению устойчивых технологий и строительных материалов в Восточной Африке. Во-вторых, оно направлено на выявление успешных примеров, которые демонстрируют потенциал для развития в строительном секторе Восточной Африки путем внедрения устойчивых технологий и строительных материалов. В-третьих, исследование стремится предоставить подробные решения и рекомендации по преодолению выявленных препятствий, одновременно указывая потенциальные ограничения. Основная цель данного исследования предложить решения для препятствий, с которыми сталкивается внедрение технологий и устойчивых строительных материалов в Восточной Африке. В этом исследовании обсуждаются ключевые стратегии решения этих проблем, включая государственное регулирование, сотрудничество, образование, стоимостную инженерию и инвестиции в инфраструктуру, а также даются обоснованные рекомендации для ключевых заинтересованных сторон, таких как правительство, строительные компании и рабочие. В нем подчеркивается важность индивидуальных подходов, которые учитывают региональное разнообразие и признают ограничения, связанные с нехваткой ресурсов, нормативными проблемами и меняющейся политикой. Исследование показало, что, реализуя эти стратегии, строительная отрасль в Восточной Африке может проложить путь к устойчивому росту и развитию, одновременно смягчая воздействие на окружающую среду.
Keywords: obstacles, sustainable technology, sustainable construction materials (SCM), adoption, East Africa, East African Community (EAC)
Ключевые слова: препятствия, устойчивые технологии, устойчивые строительные материалы, принятие, восточная африка, восточно-африканское сообщество
Introduction 1.1 Background
Currently East Africa is experiencing rapid economic and urban expansion, which makes it an economic engine in the area. According to the African Development Bank East Africa Regional Economic Outlook, the East Africa region will be the African economic powerhouse in 2023 and 2024. This growth has opened up a rich opportunity for residential, commercial, and industrial construction that has
attracted a local and international construction companies to take part in the bustling market (Africa Buildmart, 2023). Studies in 18 countries currently among the fastest-growing economies in the world, e.g., Rwanda and South Sudan), development strategies in East Africa focus on the provision of physical infrastructure and on sustainable development activities to meet the needs of the very large, evergrowing population.
Fig 1.1: Major East African Countries and Their Steady Rise in GDP (also shows the sub-regions rise)
Development of novel construction skills with a view to cost reduction, stimulation of housing market and environment remediation is the essence of the Vision 2050 of the East African Community (Mehta Bridwell, 2005) to achieve sustainable economic growth. Using nature-based materials (NBMs), that is, ecosustainable concrete and recycled materials, is a useful application to address e.g., deforestation and carbon emission (Bredenoord, 2017). However, despite all of benefits, several challenges preclude the integration of these devices. Key impediments are a lack of stakeholder awareness, sustainability misperception, lack of client knowledge of the benefits of SCM, as well as the lack of knowledge of sustainable design protocols (Eze et al., 2023). These challenges have a strongly limiting impact on development and demand wholes solutions.
The objective of this study is to determine the problems associated with the adoption of sustainable technologies and SCMs and to provide the practical solutions to overcome these problems. It is aimed at helping local authorities better manage infrastructure development, guide builders on how to deal with integration problems, and guide people on the social benefit associated with the sustainability strategies. Overcoming these hurdles this research offers practical
insights into how to ensure sustainable development in East Africa, in steps with the region's economic and environmental aspirations.
1.2 Obstacles Facing the Adoption of SCMs
(Sustainable Construction Materials) in East Africa
Sustainable Construction Materials (SCMs) are highly important for reducing environmental footprints as they consist of recyclable and repurposed materials that are both "ecologically benign with regard to the present and future" (Kiu Guimond, as cited by Biermeier and Pelchen, 2023). The initial liberal economic development of the East African region makes the region a pioneer in research and development efforts for the use of these materials. Specifically, focusing on sustainable practices that have to meet the pace of the regional development, the East Africa Regional Economic Outlook of the African Development Bank outlines the following opportunities and challenges. This is consistent with the EAC Vision 2050 for the development of resilient infrastructure and the sustainable industrialization process, which is the foundation of the Sustainable Development Goal (9) of the East African Community (East African Community, 2016).
Fig 1.2: Graph Showing the Steady Rise in CPI Housing Utilities in Ethiopia since July 2022
(Trading economics, 2023)
Despite the seeming benefits of SCMs, a number of issues exist in the acceptance process of SCMs in East Africa. Economic viability, ignorance, and ineffectiveness of the legal environment are major constraints. Gan et al. (2015) used factor analysis to define these to be significant barriers to the acquisition
of S.M .s by owners. Furthermore, Shaker et al. (2022) also pointed to further challenges in the form of high commodity costs, lack of training, and adverse legislative approaches, which are more common in developing countries.
Fig 1.3: Graph Showing the Steady Rise in CPI Housing Utilities in South Sudan since July 2022 (Tradingeconomics, 2023)
These problems are most severe in low and middle-income countries in East Africa, where socioeconomic disparities and deficient infrastructure worsen the situation. Eg, Gichuyia (2012) stated that policymakers in such environments can often find themselves caught between economic growth and sustainability, as detailed in his experience of Kenya. In a similar fashion, Bredenoord (2017) also identified organisational, political and financial constraints as the key obstacles and outlined individual solutions to each of them.
Resistance-to-emulsion formulations, regulatory and funding challenges, cost and market impacts, government incentives, and the existence of green building experts. Responses to these challenges involve concerted effort among governments, private sector, development agencies in alleviating the systemic
constraints and unleashing the potential of sustainable solutions in East Africa.
1.3 Challenges of the Utilization of Sustainable Technologies in East Africa
East Africa is a highly diverse and resource-rich area that has been targeted by a great deal of foreign investment, particularly from China over the past few years (Fowler, 2019). Although this region is rich in terms of the economic resources it has, it constitutes largely of developing and underdeveloped countries according to UN criteria. In response to its environmental and economic challenges, the East African Community (EAC) has emphasized the implementation of sustainable technologies as a key element of its Vision 2050 (EAC, 2016). This focal point highlights the possibilities for the region not only to supply its own energy needs sustainably, but also to export energy surpluses worldwide. Nevertheless, the
combination of these innovations is beset by various barriers, impeding the development of the region to reach its sustainability targets (Wassie Adaramola, 2019).
There is a large obstacle in the lack of technical and innovative potential in East African countries. Abebe and Schaefer (2015), cited in Okereke et al. (2019) pointed out that as a country industrial intensifies, technical gaps become greater and greater. For example, Ethiopia's industrial sectors [ci.e., cement, leather, textiles] have yet to adopt green innovations, which are key features of sustainable solutions (Wakeford et al., 2017). This challenge is representative of a wider regional trend where innovation systems do not adequately promote sustainability. Several systemic issues further compound these difficulties. Wassie and Adaramola (2019) identified deficiencies in technical expertise, insufficient monitoring and evaluation, inadequate creative financing mechanisms, weak institutional frameworks, and low policy prioritization as critical impediments. These all contribute to the failure of
sustainable technologies to be implemented throughout the region, thereby restricting economic development and environmental advance. In addition, insufficient public awareness and intersectoral policy integration further compounds these difficulties, leading to uncoordinated and ineficacious implementation.
Murphy (2001) explored energy leapfrogging strategies in rural East Africa, such as grid expansion, renewable energy technologies, and improved cookstoves. His findings highlighted that economic, social, political, and cultural barriers often restrict the adoption of such technologies, particularly in rural areas. He further proposed that planners should reconcile technical and economic viability with the socio-economic realities of local communities. Also, Manirambona (2022) pointed out that energy poverty is a main challenge for the EAC, a factor which seriously restricts the use of sustainable technologies, causing socio-economic development all over the EAC countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and south Sudan.
Fig:1.4: Environmental Pollution highlighting socio-economic realities in East Africa (Asiaone, 2022)
These problems highlight the urgent need for specific approaches to overcome those obstacles and help realize East Africa's capacity for sustainable economic and social growth and development. Overcoming technical and medical barriers, increasing public understanding and awareness, and enhancing institutional and financial machinery are some important prerequisites to achieve the region's sustainability goals.
2. Methods to Overcome Obstacles in the Adoption of Technologies and Sustainable Construction Materials SCMs 2.1 Government Regulations, Policy and Control
Sustainable adoption of construction materials (SCs) technologies in East Africa is critical for environmental management and for long-term sustainable economic development. One of the major strategies to be effective in coping with barriers is the enforcement of sound government rules and legislation. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), regulations are important tools consisting of legislation, principles
and so on which are used to improve economic and social performances which in turn improve the lives of citizens and companies. Governmental rules in town planning and construction regulation are the base from which technical and innovative gaps can be crossed to bring new technologies and SCMs into practice (Brednoord, 2017). Setting up a regulatory framework that rewards sustainable practices enables governments to spur the use of sustainable materials and technologies within the building industry.
The application of building code regulations and sustainable procurement policies has a crucial role in driving the demand for SCMs. Not only does this method provide a sound platform on which to act upon these developments, it also brings about a climate in which sustainability is something that is desirable and achievable for both companies and individuals alike (Wassie Adaramola, 2019). There is research that consumer communities readily embrace sustainable technologies for housing construction, which makes this regulatory precedent a powerful tool for the promotion of their adoption on a large scale (Thadani
Go, 2021). In addition, regular review and adaptation of these guidelines guarantee the timeliness and validity of the information and resources available to
stakeholders, which contributes to the effective, sustainable evolution of the construction industry (Wassie Adaramola, 2019).
Fig 2.1: Natural Clay Being Used as a Sustainable Construction Material in East Africa (ClayWorks, 2023)
In conclusion, government regulations and policies are instrumental in overcoming the challenges associated with adopting SCMs and technologies in East Africa. Government may, through the enactment of appropriate legislation, encouragement of environmentally benign behaviors, and the need for current regulation, influence actors and promote sustainable development. This regulatory framework is essential to coordinate the construction industry in the region with international sustainability initiatives and enhance quality of life as a whole.
2.2 Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and private sector entities, are critical for overcoming challenges in adopting sustainable technologies and construction materials (SCMs) in East Africa. Such partnerships provide essential financial backing, technical expertise, and integrated approaches while bolstering regulatory support to ensure sustainability. This collaborative framework fosters the exchange of knowledge and resources, enabling a robust foundation for implementing sustainable practices (Wassie and Adaramola, 2019; Gan et al., 2015).
Fig 2.2: EAC convenes 2nd Development Partners' Thematic Groups Meeting (EAC, 2019)
Furthermore, both intra-country and international collaborations introduce diverse expert perspectives and advanced tools, enhancing the evaluation of existing challenges and facilitating the adoption of updated strategies. For example, the USAID has historically supported regional integration in East Africa through initiatives such as the East Africa Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS). This program, spanning five years, demonstrated tangible outcomes, including a 29% growth in exports from the East African Community (EAC) to the United
States between 2008 and 2021. These collaborative efforts provide financial aid, technical assistance, and regulatory oversight, thereby increasing the feasibility of integrating sustainable technologies and SCMs in the region (Okereke et al., 2019; Murphy, 2001; USAID, 2021). Partnerships also consolidate resources for extensive research and development, making sustainable innovations more affordable and accessible. This integration of shared knowledge positions East Africa to address adoption challenges effectively,
advancing sustainability as a central principle within its construction industry (Musahara, 2016).
2.3 Education and Training Education is a liberating element that allows individuals, organizations, and governments to take environmental action, particularly in the building sector. The current state is highly similar to the pursuit for solutions to establish a break to the implementation
of sustainable innovations, and construction materials -sustainable construction materials (SCMs) - in the Eastern African (EA) sub-region. Drawing on learning good practice, actors can gain insight in sustainability so that it can be promoted and sustainably construction processes implemented (Olweny, 2018).
Fig 2.3: Global Giving Reps Educating African Children About Their Environment (GlobalGiving, 2018)
Education is a critical component which can lead to greater understanding of environmental impact of conventional construction methods. It steers the adoption of green substitutes, for which construction workers are given training in how to apply the techniques in order to put green technology to good use. In this process, learning of organizations is changing not only an organization's capability of the construction activities toward sustainability targets, but also the capability of the workforce toward high technologies and high practices toward sustainability (Wassie Adaramola, 2019; Abadama, 2018).
Further education programs are also an engine of innovation in sustainable construction as long as there is funding and regulatory frameworks available. Further awareness of sustainability encourages scholarly engagement, which leads to a tsunami of new insights and practical solutions for sustainable construction (Thadani Go, 2021). Education is of high significance in the introduction of modified environmental standards, sustainable construction procedures that aim to reduce their overall cost on a long-term basis and paving the way for environmentally conscious activity. These measures go
beyond just environmental protection and help for the sustainable economic growth in East Africa (Caribou, 2018).
Ultimately, education will be a means by which all parts of society can become more active participants, both as consumers and contributors to sustainability. It is a cornerstone in the context of resistance breaking, a catalyst for innovation and planning in the process leading to a more sustainable future of the construction sector in Eastern Africa.
2.4 Value engineering
Value engineering (VE) provides a structured, practical solution to the problem of implementing sustainable technologies and construction materials in East Africa. Across a geographic area in which financial limitations often make eco-friendly innovations difficult to implement, VE offers an architectural framework to reconcile economic efficiency with environmental responsibility. This technique, however, not only provides cost reduction and enhanced quality, but also in accordance with sustainable construction practices as shown in the works by Atabay and Galipogullari (2013) and Rachwan et al. (2016).
Figure 2.4: Value Engineering to Maximize the Product Value (KPIT, 2023)
VE assesses not only the initial cost, but also the total cost and, through critical analytical methods, applies sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. By scrutinizing material and technology options, VE helps stakeholders prioritize sustainability without compromising project performance or safety. This kind of process also induces overthinking of benefits, such as energy saving and environmental footprint reduction, which leads to supporting the implementation of green construction practices (Atabay Galipogullari, 2013; Rachwan et al., 2016).
Many studies evidence the effectiveness of VE in integrating environmental considerations in the building construction process. For example, Rachwan et al. (2016) showed that the application of VE in a whole-building project could lead to 20-30% cost savings for certain components and 7% reduction in energy use. Also, Atabay and Galipogullari (2013) found a 6% decrease in cost and a 17% decrease in project time in the construction of the Bregana-Zagreb-Dubrovnik Motorway, in Croatia. These results indicate that VE holds the promise of contributing to sustainable development under the financial and operational challenges of East Africa. Through the use of VE, construction processes in East Africa can be promoted in an environmentally responsible way, bringing the region closer to sustainability objectives and allowing construction development in East Africa without negatively impacting its environmental integrity.
2.5 Infrastructure Investment
Infrastructure development of eco-friendly technology and building needs significant capital investment to create and maintain eco-friendly systems. Areas of emphasis are transport, energy, water supply, waste management, and urban infrastructure, which, at the moment, are not adequate for demand. Such investments allow the implementation of environmentally friendly applications in various fields, mitigating environmental problems and fostering sustainable development. By funding research, development, and implementation of solutions like solar energy production, electric vehicle infrastructure, and resilient urban planning, infrastructure investment overcomes bottlenecks that hinder the adoption of sustainable technologies and materials (Mabea, 2020; Zekarias, 2016; Van Buskirk, 2006).
In particular, infrastructure investments may enable policy-dependent instruments such as incentives and tax benefits to promote eco-friendly behaviors. These investments In turn, back public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives all which increase the interest in sustainable construction approaches. They are engines of innovation, facilitating development of renewable energy systems and sustainable building materials, providing jobs, and improving energy efficiency. As a result, public infrastructure investment is seen as both an engine for achieving sustainability goals, and an engine for economic growth by promoting business innovation and excellence in research and collaboration (Wassie Adaramola, 2019; Lorimer, 2019; Mabea, 2020).
Discussion and Conclusion
Rapid economic growth and urbanization in East African economies lead to increasing requirements for residential, commercial and infrastructure construction projects. Although, some obstacles exist along the way such as ignorance, misunderstanding about sustainability and undesirable regulation which does inhibit the introduction of new science and technology and sustainable construction materials (SCMs). These issues are greatly compounded in area's under- and emerging economies, and effective interventions are required.
To overcome these barriers strong government control and intervention is required. Governments can establish building codes and sustainable procurement regulations, which will lead to demand for SCMs, address knowledge gaps and provide a foundation for sustainable construction. Cooperation between governments, NGOs and private parties can provide financial and technical support and strategic solutions to overcome adoption barriers. Prolific transboundary collaboration, which included work with the Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, has demonstrated the potential for regional sustainability and economic growth.
Education, value engineering, and infrastructure support the implementation of sustainable technologies. Basic training and awareness programmes can be used to equip workers with the knowledge and abilities to adopt sustainable behavior, whereas value engineering offers low-cost and environmentally aware solutions. Investment in
infrastructure has the capability of promoting ecofriendly practices, bringing cost reductions, and facilitating the dissemination application of sustainable technologies. In order to realize this, however, using the following approaches, the East African construction sector can drive sustainable economic and social development, reduce the adverse effect on the environment, and generate long-term economic and social benefits.
Limitations
The mixed economic and sociocultural environments in East Africa require specific responses in order to properly adopt Sustainable Construction Technologies and Practices. Each country has its own specific challenges that need local strategies for uptake. It is not uncommon for political and bureaucratic obstacles to impede the implementation of government regulations, and thus an able and powerful institutional base together with political will is required to dismantle these barriers. Resource constraints, including the high capital and specialized labor needed for sustainable construction, further limit the potential for widespread adoption. Furthermore, socioeconomic differences make it difficult to fairly achieve inclusive participation because it is not uniformly distributed by willingness and ability to provide (e.g.
Further, technological holes represent another major roadblock since many countries do not have the infrastructure and investment required to adopt sustainable technologies. Closing these gaps requires combined efforts and significant investment. Public awareness is still a serious issue, since moving away from unsustainable lifestyles is a process that needs continuous education and persuasion. In addition, alteration in government policies and agendas can derail sustainability campaigns, highlighting the need for long term lobbying and campaigning. To surmount the challenges in this area, collaboration between governments, institutions, and citizens is needed. Through effective management of these challenges, sustainable construction in East Africa can be harnessed to support long-term economic prosperity and environmental preservation.
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