An innovative diffusion-theory based assessment of inherent barriers in urban green drainage infrastructure systems

Conventional urban drainage infrastructure is gradually failing to attain sustainable development goals. Effective techniques for adapting to climate change at the city level include the use of urban green drainage infrastructure (UGDI). This study aims to assess the inherent barriers to UGDI in Ghana. Primary data was gathered from 62 built environment professionals. Analytical tools included a component factor analysis and mean score ranking. A factor analysis revealed four components explaining 67.967% of the total variance in the barriers to UGDI. Lack of knowledge, information and awareness of UGDI was ranked as the most critical implementation barrier. It is recommended that the adoption of UGDI evolves from being an alternative to a “necessity” given that its significance is evident in the current climatic change crises. This is a novel attempt to expose the inherent barriers of UGDI systems in Ghana through the innovation diffusion theory.