Factors Influencing the Biogas Acceptance in Rural Area

Abstract

This study addresses how utilization of information such as livestock population, village maps and geographic information system (GIS) can be utilized to evaluate biogas production from livestock manure in rural areas. Cluster analysis was used to identify the appropriate locations for construction of anaerobic digester. The factors influencing the acceptance of biogas development were also analysed using regression analysis. The logistic regression model was employed for data analysis. The model was used furthermore to calculate the probability of acceptance of biogas development in the area of study. Calculation of potential biogas production is approximately about 24,560.64 MJ/day of energy can be produced. The determinants for biogas development acceptance ranges between 10% and 74.6%. The study was based on primary data that were elicited using open and closed-ended questionnaires. Empirically, the result indicated that number of cattle owned, age of household head, family size, land availability and knowledge are factors that have statistical significance (p < 0.05). Family size, land availability, knowledge positively influence the acceptance of utilization of biogas technology, while age of farmer and cattle ownership is inversely proportional to the acceptance. The model shows that if all factors drive, the probability can be increased up to 74.6% indicating that the use of livestock manure can be successfully developed in the area.