Biogas and its potential in the local communities: case study of Warr Sub-County, Zombo District West Nile Uganda

Abstract

Accelerated population growth and emerging alternate use for energy has threatened the world energy supply resulting in the thirst for alternative energy. One of such alternative sources of energy is the use of Biogas. This study examined the potential of biogas usage by rural community in Warr Sub County, Zombo district, by first examining the energy situations and then assessing the biogas feasibility indicators and the technical potential of biogas usage in the area. The research design was exploratory which was achieved by use of a single qualitative method of triangulation which involved the use of questionnaires, interviews, administrative and other sources such as journals, internet resources and text books in libraries. The findings confirmed that the available sources of energy are wood fuel (firewood) which is mostly used by over 95.5% of the households, followed by cow dung, crop residue and paraffin. The feasibility indicators showed biogas has never been used in area before and there was limited knowledge about it, majority (70%) had positive attitude, and there are ideal environmental factors (temperature and topography) for digester constructions. The social economic situation was a major limiting factor due to very low-income level. The assessment of the technical potential revealed that the raw material such as animal waste and water was available for majority households. The average number of cows per household was found to be 5, and the quantity of dung per cow was experimentally estimated to be 10Kg per day. The average number of people per household was 7. However, the success of a biogas plant in the rural areas would depend on the selection of the plant design, size, site, materials of construction, type of plant, method of construction and acceptability as discuss in the findings.