Raising awareness of biodigesters benefits in Kenya
Informing the development of an awareness-raising strategy for biodigesters
SNV and partners launch a study focusing on raising awareness of biodigesters to increase the adoption of the technology in Kenya.
Africa Biogas Component (ABC)
The Africa Biogas Component (ABC) Project is implemented by a consortium of partners, including Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and SNV in partnership with The African Bioenergy Programs Ltd (ABPL) in Kenya.
The ABC-K project seeks 'to achieve a sustainable, stable and growing market for biodigesters that significantly contribute to achieving national sustainable agricultural production, energy access, and climate targets, by following a market-based approach to triggering demand, promoting the supply of high-quality technology and services and improving the enabling environment.' Specifically, the project aims to facilitate a shift in the biodigester market from a pioneering to an expansion phase.
Within these overarching objectives, SNV seeks to drive a proactive and supportive enabling environment for biodigesters in Kenya while supporting the demand side through targeted awareness-raising measures.
Objectives of the study
The primary goal of this qualitative study was to inform the development of an awareness-raising strategy for the ABC K project that takes into the different size segments (small and medium scale), other technologies, different valorisation options products (biogas for cooking, heating & powering, bio-slurry, bio-slurry enriched compost, etc.) and related benefits (on incomes, indoor air pollution, and agricultural productivity etc.), as well as feasible options for customers to finance biodigesters.
The specific objectives of the study were
To build, publicise and increase awareness of small and medium-scale biodigesters
To promote and increase the demand for small and medium-scale biodigesters among the projects target groups by motivating and creating interest
Cooking with biogas
Feeding the biodigester
Results and conclusion
The strategy outlines both (above-the-line and below-the-line awareness-raising interventions) for different target audiences, i.e., men, youth, and women. It also addresses existing myths and misconceptions about the technology and the communication channels needed to increase biodigester awareness and adoption. This qualitative study delved into the current state of knowledge and information penetration.
This strategy will be implemented through existing networks and marketing hubs maintained by the Africa Bioenergy Programs Limited (APBL), supported by ABPL field extension officers, Biodigester sector extension officers, and identify other access channels, such as farmer cooperatives and women groups to run awareness-raising campaigns and local pieces of training. The strategy also informs us on how the project will draw on other partner networks, Clean Cooking Association of Kenya (CCAK), county/national government, Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC), and Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) to influence awareness-raising on bio-digesters and bio-fertiliser use. It recommends bio-slurry valorisation, behavioural change aspects, and good farming practices to eliminate the structural challenges of small-holder farms in Kenya. Existing biodigester owners will serve as technology ambassadors.
More information
For more information, please get in touch with Saida Wanga, Project Assistant, Awareness Raising & Behaviour Change, SNV: swanga@snv.org