Investigative the Extent of Greenhouse Gas Release Discount Caused by the Use of Biogas Plants and Evaluate the Degree of Acceptance of Biogas Technology in Jimma Zone, South West, Ethiopia

Abstract

Even though biogas technologies have been promoted for over a decade in many developing countries to reduce firewood consumption, their acceptance among smallholder farmers remains low, especially in countries with limited biomass resources, such as Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the low acceptance of biogas technology and to quantify the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fuel wood and wood coal. The research was conducted in four kebeles in Kersa, Southwest Ethiopia. A total of 130 households were interviewed using simple random sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and a probit binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the acceptance of lower biogas technology and the extent of greenhouse gas emission reduction due to the usage of biogas plants. The results indicated that educational status significantly influenced the acceptance of biogas technology. Households with higher educational levels responded more positively to adopting biogas technology than illiterate households. The mean of non-biogas users was one hundred forty-three and biogas users were fourteen point one mainly used wood, whereas fourteen-point eight non-biogas users and seven-point one biogas users mostly depend on charcoal for baking. Greenhouse gas emissions reductions, measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), were calculated using the Clean Development Mechanism methodology. The study found that emissions reductions from firewood and wood coal were approximately 228.5 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent/per year/per household and 24.5 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent/per year/per household, respectively. The result indicated a substantial change in renewable energy usage between biodigester plant owners and non-owners. To progress acceptance, renewable energy policies & strategies should be considered to increase public responsiveness about the advantages of up-to-date energy technologies.