Biogas technology adoption and its potential for fuelwood saving and carbon emission reduction in North Shoa, Ethiopia

Biogas technology offers a sustainable energy solution with potential benefits for reducing fuelwood consumption and mitigating environmental impacts. This study rigorously evaluates the adoption of biogas technology and its potential to reduce carbon emissions and save fuel wood in the Girar Jarso district. Employing a stratified sampling procedure, we collected data from 345 households (50 adopters and 295 non-adopters), supported by 15 key informant interviews, 6 focus group discussions, and field observations. The kitchen performance test (KPT) conducted with 36 households revealed that biogas technology significantly reduces fuel wood consumption, saving 1131.5 kg annually and reducing emissions by 1.6 tCO2 per biogas plant. These findings underscore the critical role of biogas technology in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, conserving fuel wood, and reducing dependency on forest resources. The study contributes novel insights into the environmental and socio-economic benefits of biogas technology, advocating for its broader adoption to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions.