Barriers inhibiting the adoption of rammed earth construction in a developing country

Sustainable construction practices are crucial to fostering development without depleting critical resources. This study investigates the adoption of rammed earth (RE) by specifically assessing the perceived barriers inhibiting its adoption in the Ghanaian construction industry. Primary data, sourced from literature, was used to develop a structured close-ended questionnaire administered to 114 construction professionals. 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 reported being less conversant with specific sustainable practices such as RE construction. The results suggest that a strong affinity for conventional materials, the absence of dedicated local guidelines, and limited knowledge are viewed by professionals as critical sub-factors hindering widespread adoption of RE. Further analysis revealed four principal categories of 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 perceived impediments. Based on these perspectives, it is recommended that academic and industrial institutions create forums to promote knowledge of RE and other vernacular techniques among students and professionals respectively. The findings provide a basis for policymakers to develop frameworks to revive interest in vernacular construction. The study, therefore, contributes to the acceleration of sustainable construction practices in Ghana and the sub-Saharan region at large.