Sustainable adoption of smart homes from the Sub-Saharan African perspective

In this paper, we analyse the concept of smart homes and discuss how these homes can be adopted sustainably in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), considering the region's socio-economic characteristics. The paper dwelt largely on a review of literature on the subject, which was accessed from a wide range of databases using online search engines and by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The results indicate that smart homes enhance the comfort of the dwellers, ensure the diversification of energy sources and use, promote inclusiveness in the provision of housing and present an avenue for environmental cleanliness. Based on these benefits, and in an era of sustainable cities, the authorities of the cities in North America and Europe are encouraging the adoption of smart homes by urbanites. However, there is insufficient data to assess the level of adoption of smart housing in SSA although anecdotally the rate of adoption may be low. This is partly attributed to the region's low levels of literacy, income and technological penetration. The paper recommends the strengthening of local economies, creating awareness about the value of smart homes, creating smart home incentives and adapting the design of affordable housing schemes to assume the nature of smart homes as good strategies to foster a sustainable adoption of smart housing in the sub-region.