Investigating the status of biogas systems, digestate utilization practices, and key technological challenges among rural households in the Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The rising global demand for fossil fuels, declining oil reserves, and environmental degradation underscore the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions within circular economy framework. Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a viable alternative by generating renewable biogas and organic fertilizer while reducing organic waste. Ethiopia possesses substantial untapped biomass resources, offering significant potential for rural AD adoption. This study evaluates the status of biogas systems, digestate utilization practice, and key technological challenges among rural households in the Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 29 AD-using households through intigrated qualitative and quantitative survey methods. The findings show that AD systems contribute to renewable energy production, sustainable agriculture practices, and climate change mitigation by reduced greenhouse gas emissions. However, system performance is constrained by several actors, including users’ socioeconomic conditions, poor installation quality, low-quality feedstock, limited technical skills in operation and maintenance, financial constraints, and weak user motivation. The availability of alternative energy sources and limited experience sharing among users further hinder adoption and optimal system performance. To enhance sustainability and scalability, the study recommends promoting multi-substrate feedstock utilization to optimized carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, providing continuous technical training, fostering positive community attitudes toward AD systems, and strengthening the capacity of skilled personnel.