Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Biogas Technology Uptake Among Rural Households in Kuresoi South Sub-County, Nakuru County

Abstract

Biogas technology presents an alternative sustainable energy source that offers an opportunity to transform energy security, environmental sustainability, and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The research study explores the socioeconomic factors affe in Kuresoi South Sub based on the use of both primary and secondary data sources. The data collection covered 155 respondents through the use of discussions, key informant interviews and observations. Selection of the respondents was done by using systematic random sampling, while data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, chi supported by SPSS version 26. Results indicated that despite high levels of awareness, the adoption of biogas technology was low, with firewood remaining the primary source of energy in 68% of the households. Fixed dome and tubular were the biogas digest however, economic factors, mainly household income, were the main determinant of uptake. The chi between household incom the poorer a household is, the greater the financial barrier to the technology. Level of education, too had a say in energy adoption; education and energy choice had a strong association households were more likely to adopt the technology. The gender factor is insignificant in influencing energy choices, underlining a proof from the fact that 2.119, p = 0.346, where broader socio decisions. knowledge sharing and information dissemination related to biogas technology. On the other hand, partial understanding of the te barrier to the better diffusion of this technology. In conclusion, income levels and education are two main factors affecting the uptake of biogas technology. Enhanced education, increasing adoption rates and supporting transitions to sustainable energy in rural areas. Keywords: Rural households, S INTRODUCTION Biogas is a mixture of gases produced through the process of anaerobic digestion, which is the breakdown of organic material by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. Biogas consists mainly of 50-70% Methane, 30 Merit Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Soil Sciences (ISSN: 2350-2274) Vol. 12(2) pp. 022-030, October Available online http://meritresearchjournals.org/asss/index.htm Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article Economic Factors Influencing Biogas Technology Uptake among Rural Households in Kuresoi South Sub-County, Nakuru County Gypson Kipkorir Kurere* , Eliud Garry Michura, Sella Kebenei Abstract Biogas technology presents an alternative sustainable energy source that offers an opportunity to transform energy security, environmental sustainability, and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The research study explores the socioeconomic factors affecting biogas technology uptake among rural households in Kuresoi South Sub-County, Nakuru County. This is a descriptive study design based on the use of both primary and secondary data sources. The data collection covered 155 respondents through the use of questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observations. Selection of the respondents was done by using systematic random sampling, while data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and cross supported by SPSS version 26. Results indicated that despite high levels of awareness, the adoption of biogas technology was low, with firewood remaining the primary source of energy in 68% of the households. Fixed dome and tubular were the biogas digester types in use, since they are relatively cheaper and more durable; however, economic factors, mainly household income, were the main determinant of uptake. The chi-square results indicated that there was a significant relationship between household income and uptake of biogas, χ² = 9.531, p = 0.048, implying that the poorer a household is, the greater the financial barrier to the technology. Level of education, too had a say in energy adoption; education and energy choice had a strong association-since χ² = 12.814, p = 0.002-which depicted that more educated households were more likely to adopt the technology. The gender factor is insignificant in influencing energy choices, underlining a proof from the fact that 2.119, p = 0.346, where broader socio-economic factors played a much greater role in isions. This study also revealed out that radio was the effective channel for knowledge sharing and information dissemination related to biogas technology. On the other hand, partial understanding of the technical aspects has acted as a big barrier to the better diffusion of this technology. In conclusion, income levels and education are two main factors affecting the uptake of biogas technology. Enhanced education, targeted financial support and better outreach strategies go toward increasing adoption rates and supporting transitions to sustainable energy in rural areas.