Determinants of biogas adopton and its impact on livehoods: evidence from Domboshava, Zimbabwe

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.