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.

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