Sustainable housing in Ethiopia : A diffusion analysis of the Adobe technique

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diffusion of the Adobe sustainable housing technology in Ethiopia. There are multiple factors either generating or restraining the diffusion of the technology, these factors are viewed and analyzed by an Innovation theory. During an 8 week field study empirical data has been gathered from multiple geographical areas. A multiple case study approach has been adopted and through qualitative interviews with stakeholders and technical inspections of Adobe buildings, data has been documented. In conclusion the technological diffusion of innovation has reached different levels in the different cases. Presented is how the rate and level of diffusion is interdependent with natural resources depletion, positive or negative demonstrations, knowledge diffusion as well as profitable or unhelpful interplay between micro and macro players present on the Ethiopian housing market.