Investigating Farmers’ Intention to Adopt Renewable Energy Technology for Farming: Determinants of Decision Making in Northern Ghana

Integrating renewable energy into agricultural practices can result in environmental and economic benefits. In Ghana, renewable energy resources that can support agronomic activities include solar energy and biomass. Although policies and interventions that promote Ghanaian renewable energy development and implementation currently exist, it is not yet understood which factors motivate farmers to adopt renewable energy technologies within the country’s agricultural sector. This research aimed to identify which psychological and economic factors influence Northern Ghanaian farmers’ intention to adopt renewable energy technology within agriculture. A survey was administered to farmers (n = 418) in Lawra Municipality in Northern Ghana, where farming represents the main source of income. Structural Equation Modelling was applied to test and validate an adapted theoretical model (the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour) to identify which factors are associated with farmers’ likelihood to adopt renewable energy technology. Attitude, Perceived Behavioural Control, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Compatibility, Risk, Peer and External Influences, Self-efficacy, Resource-Facilitating Conditions, and Technology-Facilitating Conditions were positive and significant factors influencing farmers’ intention to adopt renewable energy technology. However, subjective norms did not positively predict farmers’ intentions. The results suggest that to ensure the widespread adoption of renewable energy in Ghanaian agriculture, policies and interventions could usefully align with the psychological attributes of farmers. Policymakers should develop and implement appropriate policies to encourage sustainable technology adoption in agriculture, including tax and credit subsidies and green financing frameworks to increase support for farmers to adopt renewable energy technology.