Assessment of Potential of Biomass Energy, its Consumption Pattern and Challenges of Adopting Household Improved Energy Technologies in rural areas of Limmu Kossa Woreda, Jimma, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Traditional biomass energy sources are common for household energy consumption in Limmu Kossa woreda. The highly reliance on biomass energy in inefficient ways have direct impact on the forest coverage and its emissions have significant health issues. Objectives: To determine the potential of biomass energy, its consumption pattern and challenges of adopting improved energy technology. Methods: Cross sectional survey was conducted from June 13th - 24th 2021 on sample of 411 non biogas adopters and 32 adopters sampled using systematic random and purposive sampling techniques in 4 kebeles of the woreda. A questionnaire involving household’s fuel use, types of stoves, current status of installed biogas and socio economic and demographic characteristics influencing the adoption of biogas technology, improved cook stoves and solar energy were used to collect the data. Background data related to household survey was collected from 14 key informants and 13 focus groups purposely selected. Analysis of the data was done by the use of Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 23 and Microsoft Word-Excel. Descriptive statistics as well as multiple linear regression model were used to establish the relationships between variables. Biogas and crop residue energy potentials were quantified based on different literature values. Result and discussion: About 422m3 of biogas energy potential was available from animal livestock manure and human excreta per day; water source was available at 15-20 minutes’ walk. 1,146ton of collectible biomass energy potential from cereal crops was available. Annually, in average 2,952 kg of mix biomass, 18.2L of kerosene and 18.2KWh of electricity was consumed at household level. The annual consumption of biomass, kerosene and electricity among study respondent households were 1,213t, 5,984L, 7,480 megawatt hour respectively. Age, income, educational level, gender, family size and availability of firewood were found to be factors influencing adoption of biogas, improved cook stoves and solar energy adoption in the study area. From focus group discussion and key informant interview, lack of awareness, lack of after sell service, poor product quality; lack of subsidy and poor stakeholder cooperation were observed as key challenges of biogas, improved cook stoves and solar energy technology adoption. Conclusion: Improved energy technology had significant impact on sustainable environmental management and healthy lives among the adopters. Income, educational level, subsidy, awareness, stakeholder engagement and technical service were found to be the major accelerator of rapid adoption. Promotion enhancing to efficient energy technology adoption should be strengthened and targeted on localities.