Analysis of biogas as alternative clean energy source for sustainable environment in Mbale District

Abstract

This research study was exploratory in nature; it was aimed at analyzing biogas as an alternative clean energy source for sustaining the environment. The study was carried in Mbale district. The research undertook to study the problem of lack of clean renewable energy at the household level; the problem arising out of continued dependence on fuel wood and charcoal and the role that biogas can play. The key objectives were to establish the effect of fuel wood and charcoal use onto land and soil resources, to analyze the role of biogas towards the sustaining of forest resources and thirdly to establish factors which have hindered the growth and development of biogas in the district. The methodology used was both quantitative and qualitative in nature; this was employed in order to obtain both the measurable and the narrative facts from the respondents. The major findings showed that fuel wood and charcoal use has got negative effect on land and soil resources. It was also established that biogas greatly contributes towards the sustaining of the forest resources in combating the environmental degradation. It was found out that poverty and lack of institutional planning are the major factors which hinder the development of biogas. In conclusion fuel wood and charcoal use still dominate the household primary energy needs with continued adverse effects onto the environment.