Analysis of Biogas Technology Adoption among Rural Households in Uganda: Case of Kyanamukaka Sub County

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to understand the potential of biogas technology adoption in rural settings of Uganda particularly in Kyanamuakaka Sub County, Masaka District andto determine the challenges faced by the users and the possible causes of failure of the non-operational biogas plants. Specific objectives were to: establish the current status of biogas technology adoption and its sustainability, identify and analyze factors influencing biogas energy adoption and utilization and determine the role and potential of biogas energy technology in improving the livelihoods of the area residents. A descriptive research designwas used. A sample of 120 respondents was selected. Interviews and document review methods were used in data collection. SPSS program was used for correlation and chi square analysis of descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed thathouseholds in the Kyanamukaka Sub County own basically three types (designs) of biogas plants; the fixed dome, the floating drum and the plastic tubular. The study also indicated that size of farm (X2 =52.173, P=0.000), gender (X2 =25.144, P=0.000),age adoption (X2 =9.599, P≤0.048), education level (X2 =8.073, P=.018) and number of cattle owned, led to adoption of the technology by a household. The larger the size of the farm owned by the household, the more was the likelihood to adopt the technology. The herd size or the number of cattle owned was important too. The technology adoption was an overall improvement in health of household members. 95% revealed that time savings after acquisition and use of biogas technology was another significant benefit to technology adopters, since the need to go out to collect/purchase firewood and other fuels like charcoal declined significantly. It was therefore recommended that;biogas technology NGOs should increase and continue the subsidy scheme and give loans at low interest rates giving emphasis on low income groups who cannot afford the digester; mechanisms and techniques for compressing and packaging biogas into tradable units should be devised. The local authority should intervene by giving incentives such as subsidies to biogas construction materials, and (or) extending credit to farmers; Integration of pig farming with dairy farming is especially beneficial to biogas users.