| dc.description.abstract | At a time of rising global prices of fossil fuels and rising energy demand, household and industrial energy needs require Kenya to explore renewable sources as alternatives to traditional fuels in line with the 10% GDP growth trajectory of vision 2030. Biogas is one of the renewable forms of energy that current policies from the Ministry of Energy promote. Yet a very small proportion of households have switched to renewable energy sources with most relying on kerosene and wood fuel which are either too expensive, unsustainable or both.
Empirical evidence is lacking that shows what factors may facilitate greater adoption of biogas and even existing literature on renewable energy hadn't applied economic methodology. This study explored determinants of adoption ofbiogas in Kiambu county. Primary data from a simple random sample of 204 households was applied on a dichotomous logistic regression model. Descriptive, cross-tabulation, correlation techniques were followed in analysis.
We notice that gender, age, time preference, and psychological factors are significant determinants of adoption of biogas. There are economic and environmental benefits arising from a household's preference for biogas to other fuels. We suggest that regulators initiate environmental awareness programs for community and learning institutions but also to promote income earning opportunities that reduce discount rates. Further study needs to be conducted to see how economic agents can exploit the feed-in-tariffs policy to earn money as they generate renewable energy for the national grid. | en_US |
