Assessment of knowledge attitudes and practices of communities that use biogas in Wakiso District

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge attitudes and practices of communities that use biogas in Wakiso District in selected sub-counties; Mende, Kikandwa and Buddo. The snowballing method was used to reach the target sample size of 96 respondents. This sample size was calculated using the Kish Formula of sample size determination. Data collection was then done through administration of questionnaires to people that owned active biogas systems. The collected data was entered in an excel sheet and then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The research results revealed that more men (70.8%) than women (29.2%) have biogas, the fixed dome is mostly used (87.5%) followed by the balloon (12.5%) and the floating dome was hardly found. Cow dung is still the mostly used substrate in biogas plants (87.5%) and most biogas users fed their plants on a daily basis (72.9%). One of the challenges was the unavailability of cow dung on some days. This was the biggest challenge. (52.1%) Many of the users however said they faced no challenges with biogas (29.2%). They appreciated it for being a cheap and clean energy. The general attitude towards the use of biogas was good (91.7%) and when asked the users said they would definitely recommend it to others. More men engaged in farming of animals than women especially cattle, where their found their major substrate. The material required for the floating dome was most readily available and this skyrocketed its use compared to other types. Cow dung is used most because it is most readily available and has the best properties as well, such as bacteria in the rumen that assist in the breakdown of material into methane. Plants were fed on a daily, or every two days, or every three depending on the size of the plant and the availability of substrate. In conclusion, biogas adoption is increasing steadily and more people should be encouraged to adopt it due to its friendliness to the environment. Biogas production helps in reduction of methane to the atmosphere from plants and animals.