Barriers inhibiting the Adoption of Rammed Earth Construction in a Developing Country

Sustainable construction practices is crucial to fostering development without depleting critical resources. This study investigates the adoption of rammed earth (RE) by specifically assessing the potential barriers inhibiting its adoption in the construction industry. Primary data, sourced from literature, was used to develop a structured close-ended questionnaire, which was subsequently administered to 114 construction professionals in Ghana. Descriptive analysis, Krushal-Wallis, and Exploratory Factor Analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that while professionals possess a general understanding of sustainability, they were less conversant with specific sustainable practices, such as RE construction. The result suggests that a strong affinity for conventional materials, the absence of a dedicated local guidelines, and limited knowledge are critical sub-factors that prevent the widespread adoption of RE in Ghana. Further analysis revealed four principal barriers hindering RE’s adoption: systemic barriers, technological and financial barriers, socio-cultural and user acceptance barrier, and logistical and socio-economic barriers. The factor analysis confirmed systemic barriers, such as inadequate guidelines and regulation and minimal academic coverage, as the most significant impediments to RE construction adoption in Ghana. Academic and industrial institutions must create forums to promote knowledge of RE and other vernacular techniques among students and professionals respectively. The government and policy-makers need to implement policies and establish structures that would revive interest in vernacular construction. The findings contextualizes realities on the perception of RE construction techniques in Ghana. Therefore, it significantly contributes to the acceleration of sustainable construction practices in Ghana and in the sub-Saharan region at large.