Effect of hybrid vehicles adoption on socio-economic development in Rwanda, a case of Kicukiro District

Jean de Dieu Niyongira; James Kant Kamuhanda

doi:10.51867/ajernet.7.3.51

Authors

Jean de Dieu Niyongira UNILAK, Rwanda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7296-5384
James Kant Kamuhanda UNILAK, Rwanda https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4543-7205

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.3.51

Keywords:

Adoption, Economic Development, Environmental Impact, Fuel, Hybrid Vehicles, Social Development

Abstract

The study examined the effect of hybrid vehicles adoption on socio-economic development in Rwanda, with a focus on Kicukiro District. The study was underpinned by Sustainable Development Theory whose proponent is the Brundtland Commission (1987). The theory highlights that the needs of the present need not compromise the future needs for the coming generation. A descriptive research design was adopted, and the target population was 1587 individuals including hybrid vehicles users, mechanics and dealers randomly selected in 4 automobile garages located in Kicukiro District. The sample size was 188 respondents using questionnaires and interviews. They were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The findings show that fuel efficiency is the main motivation for adopting hybrid vehicles, accounting for 77.7% of respondents followed by government incentives represented by 10.1% of respondents while environmental concerns were represented by 5.9% of respondents. This indicates that awareness is mainly driven by economic considerations rather than environmental factors. Results further show strong agreement that hybrid vehicles contribute to socio-economic development. The highest perceived benefit is improvement of public health through reduced pollution as proved by the mean value of 4.85, followed by reduction of fuel costs represented by the mean value of 4.74 and increased income and profitability with the mean value of 4.65. Other benefits include reduced transport costs with the mean value of 4.61 and promotion of environmental sustainability with the mean score of 4.52. However, lower agreement was recorded for reduction of public transport costs was proved by the mean value of 3.86 and support to overall economic growth with mean value of 3.85.The study established a strong positive relationship between hybrid vehicle adoption and income generation (r = 0.871, p = 0.009), indicating that increased adoption significantly improves economic outcomes through cost savings and improved efficiency. The findings also show moderate to high agreement that government efforts support hybrid vehicle adoption. Public awareness campaigns were rated highly with the mean value of 4.25 followed by government promotion of eco-friendly vehicles with mean value of 4.15. However, respondents reported weaker perceptions regarding infrastructure development, such as servicing facilities and charging stations indicating infrastructural gaps. In conclusion, the study finds that hybrid vehicle adoption positively contributes to socio-economic development in Kicukiro District, mainly through fuel savings, improved health, and increased income. However, limited environmental motivation and inadequate infrastructure hinder wider adoption. Strengthening awareness, improving infrastructure, and enhancing policy support are recommended to maximize benefits.

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