Psychological Barriers to Renewable Energy Adoption in Developing Countries: A Review of Behavioral and Cognitive Factors

Abstract

Despite global progress in renewable energy, developing countries like Afghanistan face significant psychological and cognitive barriers to household adoption. This review investigates behavioral and reasoning factors influencing renewable energy uptake, using Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT) and the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) framework. It synthesizes literature to explain the gap between pro-environmental attitudes and actual behavior.

Findings reveal that Afghan households show limited environmental awareness and weak sustainability values, driven by economic hardships and survival-focused priorities. Misperceptions about cost, reliability, and complexity of renewable systems, along with perceived financial risks, distrust in providers, and fear of failure, amplify resistance. Although collectivist cultural norms could encourage communal adoption, they often reinforce conformity and skepticism when successful examples are absent. Institutional distrust due to political instability and cultural restrictions limiting women’s participation in energy decisions further hinder adoption.

The study concludes that psychological resistance may outweigh technical or economic barriers, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive, trust-building, and behaviorally informed policies to enable successful renewable energy transitions in developing contexts.