Understanding Biogas Adoption for Sustainable Energy Transition among Farm Households in Northern Ethiopia

Understanding Biogas Adoption for Sustainable Energy Transition among Farm Households in Northern Ethiopia | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Understanding Biogas Adoption for Sustainable Energy Transition among Farm Households in Northern Ethiopia Abay Tafere Mengistu, Abrha Megos Meresa, Serkalem Dejene Sisay This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7518020/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 23 Jan, 2026 Read the published version in Discover Sustainability → Version 1 posted 12 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Biogas technology, introduced in Ethiopia in 1979, has been promoted through various initiatives, yet adoption and success rates remain low, including in the study area. To address this issue, a study was conducted in Ethiopia’s Ofla Woreda to examine rural households’ perceptions and identify the factors influencing their decision to adopt biogas technology. To assess adoption decisions, both primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The findings demonstrated that the farmers thought biogas technology was an inspiring means of reducing energy use. They believe that, it enhances sanitation and health. The regression analysis shows that, the probability of adopting biogas was found to be marital status, technical availability, family size, patience, cattle holding, and water sufficiency were found to be statistically significant and positively correlated with the probability of adoption decision. On the other hand respondents' age, distance from the market, risk aversion, loss aversion, and electricity connection were significant and negatively correlated with adoption of the technology. Based on the finding, the policy implications were as follows: Capacity-building programs should be designed to equip biogas users with practical skills in the operation, maintenance, and minor repair of biogas plants. Strengthening user self-reliance through training and technical manuals reduces dependency on external assistance, enhances system sustainability, and prolongs the lifespan of the technology. Furthermore, Strengthening women’s leadership capacities and decision-making power within local institutions can accelerate technology diffusion, foster inclusive energy transitions, and ensure equitable access to sustainable energy solutions. Biogas Technology Binary Logistic Household Perception Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 23 Jan, 2026 Read the published version in Discover Sustainability → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 07 Nov, 2025 Reviews received at journal 20 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 19 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 11 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 07 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 05 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 05 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 04 Oct, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 02 Oct, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 28 Sep, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 11 Sep, 2025 First submitted to journal 11 Sep, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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