Diagnosis of Socio-Economic Prospects and Constraints for Household Biogas Adoption: A Case of Lizulu Market in Ntcheu District of Malawi

Admore Samuel Chiumia (), Betchani Tchereni, Hope Baxter Chamdimba, Benjamin L. Robinson and Mike Clifford
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Admore Samuel Chiumia: School of Business and Economic Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
Betchani Tchereni: School of Business and Economic Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
Hope Baxter Chamdimba: Energy Resources Management Department, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe P.O. Box 5196, Malawi
Benjamin L. Robinson: Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Mike Clifford: Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-22

Abstract: Biogas is once again emerging as a potential household cooking option that can help developing countries achieve energy targets. However, the adoption of biogas remains relatively slow, necessitating a diagnosis of the problem the review of literature identified. The review identified key factors influencing the adoption of household biogas technology, including policy and regulatory frameworks, financing mechanisms, public awareness, and socio-economic factors. Therefore, this study involved undertaking a survey where heads of 385 households were interviewed. The study found that low income of households, averaging USD 67/month, is a major constraint to biogas adoption, especially when dirty fuels cost little or nothing. In addition, a lack of awareness of the benefits of biogas over the available dirty fuels has the potential to limit its adoption. This explains why 99% of the households interviewed indicated firewood and charcoal were their first option, and 52% believed that these dirty fuels were dependable. Regardless of these bottlenecks, the study found that households are ready to try better cooking options. About 99% of households were interested in using biogas, and 94% wanted to learn more about biogas. Therefore, there is a need for increased awareness, and suppliers must adopt innovations that make biogas more accessible and competitive against traditional cooking fuels.

Keywords: biogas; cooking; adoption; household; opportunities; challenges (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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