Biogas technology for rural energy security: an investigation of uptake and diffusion in Meskan district, southern Ethiopia
Teklu Gebretsadik Wana, Hélder Zavale, Lourenço Manuel, Mitiku Ayele
Abstract
Despite the potential of biogas technology to significantly influence rural energy development, its production, utilization, and dissemination have not been adequately explored in the Meskan District, Southern Ethiopia. This study aimed to examine the adoption and diffusion of biogas technology in the Meskan District of Southern Ethiopia. Primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews (KIIs), and direct observations. A total of 268 households participated in the study, 134 with biogas systems and 134 without. The findings indicated that biogas adoption significantly enhanced rural livelihoods. The study demonstrated that the rural poor's quality of life is significantly improved by the application of biogas technology. Users reduced daily time spent on cooking and firewood collection by 70%, and annual net income increased by approximately $292, 11,000ETB (72%) compared to non-users. The findings of the regression analysis, odds ratio indicated the importance of the following significant factors: sex of the household head (0.01%), education level of the household head (0.01%), number of cattle owned (0.05%), distance to water source (0.01%), income level of the households (0.01%), credit availability (0.05%), the extension service (0.01%) and training (0.01%). Among non-adopters who backed, 68% cited lack of maintenance, follow-up, and technical supervision as major barriers to adoption. Increased focus on and assistance for raising livestock, lending money to farmers, teaching them how to build biogas plants and how to use the technology responsibly to maximize profits, and maintaining and repairing partially and partially operational. To improve adoption and sustainability of biogas technology, (i) strengthen livestock development programs; (ii) provide accessible credit facilities to rural households; (iii) offer hands-on training on the construction and maintenance of biogas plants; (iv) ensure reliable extension and technical support services; and (v) enhance public awareness on the economic and environmental benefits of biogas energy and the effective use of bio-slurry.