Diffusion of Innovations in Unstable Social Systems: A Study of the Adoption of Solar Cookers Among Refugee Women at Kakuma Camp, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the factors that account for the adoption patterns of solar cookers among refugee women in Kakuma Camp Specifically, the study sought to analyze the factors that influenced the adoption. non-adoption, discontinuance and reinvention of solar cookers in the camp. A survey was conducted among the 300 refugee women from 4 difference na- tions at the camp. Five Solar Cookers International trainers and one superviso were also interviewed. The findings from the survey and interviews revealed that the factors that encouraged non-adoption included ignorance on how to acquire the cooker and on the attributes of the cooker and unavailability or shortage of the cookers. The factors that encouraged adoption included culture as represented by nationality, higher levels of education, encouragement from friends and family members and the perceived advantages of solar cooking, especially saving of money and time and reduction of work. Factors that encouraged discontinuance in cluded wearing out and loss of cookers and lack of follow-up by trainers. A factor that encouraged reinvention was the relatively small size of the cookers' pots which made it impossible to use them to cook meals for the relatively large fam- lies. In light of these findings, it is recommended that SCI should: Carry out studies on the food habits and family sizes of the refugees living in the camp so as to structure the cookers in a manner that better meets the needs of the refugees. Conduct communication campaigns in the camp to spread information about the solar cookers. Develop and implement strategies to ensure the self-sustainability of the solar cooking project. Target whole families rather than individuals in recruiting users of the cookers so as to ensure continuing support for those who adopt. Motivate trainers to follow up adopters more consistently