Technical Potential of Biogas Technology Adoption in Replacing Firewood, Kerosene and Chemical Fertilizer: The Case of Misrak and Mirab Estie Districts, in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract Background: The depletion of bioenergy sources has caused significant deforestation, low agricultural production and energy crisis. This study evaluates the technical potential of biogas technology adoption in replacing firewood, charcoal, kerosene and chemical fertilizer in Northern Ethiopia. Methods: Questionnaire household survey, key informant interview, focus group discussion and field obervation were used for data collection. Results: Biogas technology adoption reduced the use of firewood, charcoal, dung cake, and kerosene consumption by 58%, 36%, 71%, and 74%, respectively. It also reduced the use of chemical fertilizer by 94% and the combined use of chemical fertilizer and manure by 91%. Adoption turned the majority of households (65.4%) to use combination of bio-slurry and chemical fertilizer. It helped the majority (89.95%) of adopters to construct and connect toilets to biogas operational system. In doing so, adoption reduced defecation in the field and improved environmental sanitation and human health. It further enabled saving of about 38% of adopters’ time, which otherwise would be expended for firewood and dung collection. It similarly enhanced adopters’ income through decreasing expenses for chemical fertilizer, kerosene, and other fuel sources. Conclusions: Biogas technology has huge potential of replacing traditional fuel sources for domestic consumption, and of reducing the consumption of kerosene and chemical fertilizers as well as of increasing income and decreasing time for biofuel collection.