Bridging the gap between knowledge and practice: The mediating role of attitudes in energy efficiency behaviour in Tanzania

Improving energy efficiency is a recognised priority for both environmental sustainability and economic resilience, yet the pathways from knowledge to concrete action remain underexplored in low and middle-income settings. This study investigates the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported energy-saving practices in the United Republic of Tanzania (URT). Using cross-sectional survey data (N = 314) and structural equation modelling (SEM), we tested a model in which attitudes act as a bridge between what people know and what they do. The results tell a clear story that, knowledge, attitudes, and practices are all positively linked, with attitudes playing a pivotal role. Specifically, path analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of knowledge on practices through attitudes (standardised indirect β = 0.045, p = 0.012), alongside a stronger direct effect of attitudes on practices (β = 0.210, p < 0.001). Behavioural patterns showed that low-cost, low-effort actions such as switching off unused lights or unplugging idle devices were more common than capital-intensive measures, reflecting financial and market constraints. These findings highlight a dual challenge: cultivating favourable attitudes through targeted, value-based communication, while addressing structural barriers that limit adoption of higher-impact energy efficiency measures. Grounded in the URT context, this work offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders aiming to close the persistent gap between awareness and sustained pro-environmental action.