An Assessment of the Challenges affecting Smallholder Farmers in Adopting Biogas Technology in Zambia

Thomson Kalinda

doi:10.5539/eer.v9n1p48

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the challenges of adopting biogas technology among rural households in Zambia. Three hundred and twenty households with and without biodigesters were selected randomly from five provinces in the country for the study. A household survey and qualitative methods such as focus group discussions and key interviews were used to collect information. The results show that firewood and charcoal are the main sources of cooking energy in the study areas despite the enormous potential for the utilization of biogas. The use of biogas technology is in its infancy and few households have adopted the technology. The study found that several challenges or factors were responsible for the low adoption status of biogas technology in the study areas. The main challenges were the high cost of installation of biodigesters; lack or limited access to credit to help meet the costs of construction of biodigesters; inadequate numbers of skilled biodigester technicians; and lack of awareness or limited information on biogas technology. Increasing access to affordable credit, as well as awareness raising on biogas technology among rural households are suggested as some of the ways that will assist to promote the adoption of biogas technology as a sustainable renewable energy source for rural populations in Zambia.

Highlights

In Zambia, woodlands and forests are estimated to cover about 50 million hectares, or 66 percent of the country’s total land area
This study has shown that firewood and charcoal still remain the main sources of cooking energy in the study areas despite the enormous potential for the development of biogas through the use of cattle manure and other organic wastes
Even though the use of biogas technology is in its infancy in the study areas, it has shown its potential to have significant impacts on the livelihoods of the adopters

Summary

Introduction

In Zambia, woodlands and forests are estimated to cover about 50 million hectares, or 66 percent of the country’s total land area. Given the very low income levels and the abundance of wood resources, it is foreseen that wood fuel (firewood and charcoal) would continue to dominate Zambia’s energy consumption. In 2007, it accounted for over 70% of total national energy consumption. Households accounted for about 88% of wood fuel consumption (GRZ, 2008). Cooking and heating are the major household uses of wood fuel. The 2000 Census of Population and Housing indicated that 60.9% of households used firewood for cooking and 24.3% used charcoal while only 13.8% used electricity. The census further showed that in rural areas, 87.7% use wood for cooking, 9.5% used charcoal and only 1.5% used electricity in 2000 (Central Statistical Office, 2004)

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Conclusion