Abstract:
This study investigates the socio-economic determinants of biogas technology adoption among
livestock farmers in Domboshava, Zimbabwe and examines its impact on rural livelihoods.
Despite Zimbabwe's potential for renewable energy technologies, biogas adoption remains
limited, particularly in rural areas facing persistent energy poverty. This research addresses key
knowledge gaps regarding technology uptake barriers and livelihood outcomes in developing
country contexts. The study employed a mixed-methods targeting randomly selected 368
respondents, however 370 livestock farming households were interviewed and formed the basis
for the analysis utilizing descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, multinomial logistic
regression and multiple linear regression for analysis. Qualitative methods, comprising
institutional mapping and stakeholder analysis, were employed to complement the quantitative
findings, drawing on data from 25 key informant interviews. Socio-economic variables included
gender, age, education, remittances, asset ownership, non-farm income, land size, livestock units,
energy costs, access to credit and extension services. A composite livelihood index was
developed to measure multidimensional welfare outcomes. Analysis using binary and
multinomial logistic regression revealed that off-farm income, land size, access to credit, gender,
livestock units, energy costs, and extension services significantly influenced biogas adoption,
while energy costs and livestock ownership were relatively weak predictors. Similarly, farmers’
plans to adopt biogas were strongly affected by income, land size, credit access and the
availability of information. Multiple linear regression further indicated that biogas adoption
significantly enhances household livelihoods, particularly in terms of energy security, income
diversification and overall welfare. Based on these findings, the study proposes a tailored
institutional framework that emphasizes coordinated roles for government, NGOs, financial
institutions and local communities to promote biogas adoption and its contribution to sustainable
livelihoods. Policy recommendations include targeted financial mechanisms, improved extension
services, gender-sensitive strategies and cross-sectoral coordination. These insights offer
valuable guidance for scaling renewable energy solutions and advancing sustainable rural
development in Zimbabwe and Africa.
