Consumer awareness and adoption of clean cooking technologies: diagnosing relationships and measurement models in a developing country context

Purpose This study aims to examine how the three dimensions of consumer awareness, specifically knowledge of cooking technologies, health awareness and knowledge of economic benefits, shape the adoption of clean cooking technologies (CCTs) among urban households in Kampala, Uganda. Design/methodology/approach Guided by the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study modeled three consumer-awareness dimensions: health awareness, knowledge of economic benefits and knowledge of cooking technologies, as antecedents of CCT adoption. A cross-sectional survey of 359 households across Kampala’s five divisions was analyzed using PLS-SEM (SmartPLS), assessing both measurement and structural model properties, including reliability, validity and predictive power. Findings All three awareness dimensions significantly predicted adoption: health awareness (ß = 0.299, p < 0.001) and knowledge of economic benefits (ß = 0.195, p = 0.002) exerted the strongest effects, while knowledge of cooking technologies (ß = 0.118, p = 0.045) showed a smaller yet significant effect. Together, these predictors accounted for approximately 28% of the variance in clean cooking technology adoption among urban households (R² = 0.283). Research limitations/implications The findings suggest that CCT interventions should include demand-side strategies that are based on behavioral change. Combining CCT supply programs with behavior-change strategies is essential. Prioritize health education and economic literacy, and clearly communicate the tangible benefits to ensure sustained adoption. Originality/value This study validates a TAM-based framework that elevates health and economic awareness as core determinants of clean energy transitions, using primary data from urban households in Kampala, Uganda and PLS-SEM.