Valuing Biogas Production from Socio-economic and Environmental Dimensions

Abstract:

In spite of biogas technology having been in use in Kampala for over thirty years, it is only recently that the popularity of biogas technology began to increase due to government and non-governmental agencies efforts aimed at promoting renewable energy. In this study, thirty-five households with installed biogas digesters were visited and, after obtaining the consent of household heads, interviews were carried out with plant owners. The interview question guide was designed to gather data on environmental, social and economic impacts of biogas use. We also sought additional information to understand current challenges relating to biogas technology adoption, which information was meant to generate insights into the future of biogas in the energy sector. The results revealed that 34.3% of households with biogas digester still use other sources of energy for cooking besides biogas. Among the benefits of using biogas instead of unclean energy sources like charcoal and firewood, less emissions were ranked highest for environment (71.4), household savings as important economic benefit (74.3%) and convenience of cooking using biogas as a leading social benefit (77.1%). In contrast, large initial capital (82.9%) stood out as the biggest challenge to biogas adoption in Kampala. In conclusion, it was unlikely for the very poor in informal settlements to invest in biogas due to a lack of financial savings required for the installation. Energy sector should create a platform which can allow credit access for biogas digester installation, payable on small daily savings for a period sufficient enough to facilitate repayments. Otherwise alternative methods of financing are necessary for slum dwellers in order for the majority of Kampala residents without livestock to gain access to biogas technology.