Socio-economic constraints to adoption and sustainability of biogas technology by farmers in Nakuru Districts, Kenya

Abstract

Since the introduction of biogas technology into Kenya in the mid 1950s, only a small percentage of farmers have adopted the technology. In addition, the functional status and sustainability of the constructed biogas plants remain unknown. The objective of this study, therefore, was to investigate and assess the factors that affect the adoption and sustainability of the technology by dairy cattle farmers. The study employed the ex-post-facto social survey research design. The target population was the 9466 farmers in Nakuru and Nakuru North districts. Selection of the two hundred farmers was through stratified proportionate random sampling procedure in order to represent the various plant designs and farmer populations in the respective administrative divisions. Data collection was through a pre-tested interview schedule, two types of questionnaires and a personal observation schedule while analysis was through descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square) by use of SPSS software. The results of the analysis revealed that while a farmer's socio-economic status significantly influenced the decision to adopt the technology, it did not influence the sustainability of the constructed plants. The research concluded that while the potential of the technology to flourish in the study area is high, its promotion is necessary. However due to the multifaceted nature of the problem, remedial action calls for a multi-disciplinary approach by all stakeholders that include governmental and non-governmental organizations, technology experts, farmers as well as research and training institutions. The promotion exercise should take into consideration the adoption constraints that include awareness creation, land tenure security, financial capital, livestock improvement and research and policy review.