Denial and Its Role in the Failure of Compressed Stabilized Earth Brick Technology in Nigeria

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Compressed Stabilized Earth Brick (CSEB) technology WAS, but still IS a? promising solution to the housing crisis in Nigeria, catering to the need for affordable, sustainable, and locally-sourced building materials. However, despite its potential, the widespread adoption of CSEB technology has faced significant hurdles, leading to its failure in several contexts. Among the various factors contributing to this setback, denial—both at individual and systemic levels—plays a pivotal role. This brief article will explore how denial undermines the implementation and success of CSEB technology in Nigeria.

To understand compressed stabilized earth bricks (CSEB) technology, it is important to know that CSEB? utilizes locally available soil, which is mixed with stabilizers like cement or lime and then compressed to form durable bricks. These bricks are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and suitable for various climatic conditions. In its entirety that is the main selling point of the technology. In a country like Nigeria, where housing deficits are prevalent, CSEB offers an innovative approach to addressing this issue by promoting sustainability and reducing reliance on imported materials.

In examining the role of denial in the failure of CSEB technology in Nigeria we need look at the ?‘critical resistance to change’. I always love to cite the example of Hassan Fathy’s New Gourna as a prime example of this . In many communities, there is a strong attachment to traditional building methods and materials. The New Gourna was conceived and touted as an intervention to improve the lives of the villagers of Old Gourna in Egypt. A fantastic design was drawn up and executed with traditional building materials and construction techniques by the famous Egyptian architect – Hassan Fathy. The people refused to relocate.? New Gourna ended being a luxurious go-to location for tourists and a ‘ghost village’ .

The integration of CSEB technology requires a paradigm shift in mindset, which is often met with resistance. Denial of the benefits of new technologies can stem from a lack of trust or unfamiliarity with the process. In Nigeria some of the experiences and anecdotes have not been very pleasant- from inexperienced artisans claiming knowledge about production of bricks to untrained masons doubling as unqualified bricklayers with disastrous and painful financial results. Because of this many builders and homeowners may ignore or downplay the advantages that CSEB offers, preferring to stick with conventional methods that they perceive as more reliable because of such ‘trauma’.

If the number one selling point of CSEB technology ( or any other earthen technology) is sustainability, not enough sensitization has been done especially in the academia or training institutions to recruit more ‘believers’ , albeit practitioners into the field. Almost all conceptual ideas produced by students and approved by their mentors seem to be on conventional materials and building practices. For CSEB technology to be successful, proper training and education on its use, benefits, and maintenance are essential. However, denial manifests in the form of neglecting these educational needs, as stakeholders may believe that existing knowledge is sufficient. This can lead to poorly constructed buildings, inadequate understanding of stabilization processes, and ultimately, structural failures that could have been avoided with proper training.

Another consideration is the underestimation of local conditions. The effectiveness of CSEB technology varies according to local soil types, climatic conditions, and construction practices. Denial often leads to the underestimation of these local factors, with stakeholders assuming that CSEB can be implemented uniformly across different regions without adaptation. For example simple tests for soil suitability can be conducted to assess and confirm if soil can be used without remediation or otherwise in one location but may require advanced soil analysis and laboratory testing in another location. This oversight can result in failures due to incompatibility with local environmental conditions, ?leading to a lack of confidence in the technology.

What could happen in Nigeria if the Federal Government decided to adopt CSEB technology as a policy and order the implementation of the technology ?for all capital projects? Overnight the story of CSEB technology would change! Overnight! This is a fact. Despite the proven efficacy of CSEB technology, denial at the level of policy-makers can hinder its integration into national housing strategies. Government entities may deny the necessity for supporting innovative building solutions, prioritizing conventional construction methods instead. In Nigeria this also fact! My mentor, the Architect Valentine Ogunsusi, recounted to me of how he, as Head of Center - CeC.Tech, Jos Nigeria ,? travelled to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to present his case for CSEB. Unsuccessfully. 11 times! This lack of institutional backing seems to have stifled local initiatives and discouraged private sector investment, further exacerbating the technology's failure. Hence lack of government support and policy integration is one of the key factors in the failure of CSEB in Nigeria.

Another case of the New Gourna ‘experiment’ again – is ignoring community needs and inputs. The success of any technological solution depends on the buy-in from the communities it aims to serve. When community voices are denied or ignored—such as through inadequate stakeholder engagement—there is often a disconnect between what the technology offers and the actual needs of the people. This denial of local input can result in poor adoption rates and a failure to tailor solutions that effectively address specific challenges faced by communities.

Finally, denial operates as a significant barrier to the success of Compressed Stabilized Earth Brick technology in Nigeria. To overcome this challenge, stakeholders must acknowledge its existence and actively promote awareness, education, and engagement. By fostering a mindset that embraces change, values local knowledge, and encourages government support, CSEB technology can fulfill its potential as a sustainable and effective solution to Nigeria's housing crisis. Addressing denial is crucial—not only for the advancement of CSEB technology but also for the broader goal of sustainable development in the nation.