Biogas Energy and Livelihood Sustainability Within Rural Households in the North West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Apart from road, water and health difficulties, energy more especially fuel is amongst the issues rural dwellers have to grapple with in their quest for sustainable livelihood. Biogas energy was introduced in Cameroon in the 1970s. In this paper we intend to demonstrate how biogas energy is primordial in sustaining livelihoods in rural areas as a substitute to traditional fuel wood through its environmental, economic and social advantages.To carry out the study we conducted a sample of biogas users in the North West Region of Cameroon. Then we administered questionnaires to identified users followed by interviews and observation of the putting in place of these schemes.We therefore argue that biogas energy schemes can sustain livelihoods in rural areas as the slurry is used in farms for crop cultivation; its use reduces drudgery and improves the health of its users. Our findings equally reveal that the use of biogas energy mitigates the effects of deforestation as well as help in the fight for environmental protection.Further research is required to render such initiatives efficient by upgrading its performance with the required technological know-how as well as diversify its uses from not only a source of fuel but should equally be rendered more flexible.