The State of Green Energy: Assessing Biogas Technology Adoption Level Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Njoro Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Biogas technology offers a sustainable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving household energy security and agricultural productivity. This study assessed the level of biogas technology adoption, identified its determinants, and examined farmers' preferences for biogas digesters among smallholder dairy farmers in Njoro Sub-County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was employed involving 110 purposively selected smallholder dairy farmers, with stratified random sampling ensuring proportional representation across six wards. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests of independence, and independent samples t-tests in SPSS Version 24. The findings revealed a low adoption rate of 18.2%, with 90% of installed systems being self-financed, highlighting the financial burden associated with adoption. Tubular Plug Flow digesters (60%) and medium-sized (6–8 m³) units (60%) were the most preferred technologies. Although environmental awareness was high among respondents, 85.45% were unaware of existing biogas promotion programmes, and 63% of dairy waste was disposed of directly on farms instead of being utilised for energy production. Chi-square analysis further showed that education level (p < 0.001), monthly household income (p = 0.004), and occupation (p < 0.001) significantly influenced adoption, whereas environmental awareness did not significantly differentiate adopters from non-adopters. The study concludes that biogas adoption in Njoro Sub-County is constrained primarily by socio-economic and institutional barriers rather than technical feasibility or environmental knowledge. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions, including subsidised financing, affordable credit schemes, strengthened extension services, and expanded awareness programmes integrated into county dairy development and renewable energy initiatives to accelerate household biogas adoption and support Kenya's clean energy transition.