Abstract:
Briquettes and other improved biomass energy technologies were introduced in Uganda and in the cattle corridor as an alternative energy source following a rapidly increasing energy demand and reducing wood fuel. Despite the widespread campaigns, the adoption of briquettes remains very low, therefore, this study aimed at identifying the factors influencing adoption of briquette technology. The study was conducted in Mubende district and employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis tools. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse Variables between adopters and non-adopters. A logistic regression was employed to determine their effect on adoption of briquettes.
The logistic regression analysis indicated that household income level household age of household head, marital status, and education level, access to credit and membership to association significantly affected the adoption of briquette technology. Household adoption was further influenced by availability, affordability and ease of use of the technology. The low levels of adoption were due to limited supply of briquettes on market, unavailability of briquette stoves and limited lighting of briquettes for consumers and limited output of machines; limited supply of raw materials and limited supply of machinery on local market as well as unavailability of credit facilities for producers.
The study recommended that there is need to sensitise and mobilize masses on briquettes and intensifying training of households with focus on social-cultural practices and engaging women. In addition, a public private partnership should be established to enhance the adoption briquettes. Furthermore, carbonate char to reduce on smoke production, and improve on the fighting of briquettes. Producers should be encouraged to form cooperatives go as to increase on their supply on market and also bargain for better prices of briquettes and also accelerate their chances accessing financial support. And lastly the Ministry of Energy and Mineral development and the Parliament should improve policy environment in favor of improved biomass energy technologies especially through setting appropriate implementation strategies and coordination of the associated programmes.
Keywords: Biomass energy, Adoption, Briquettes, Cattle corridor, Uganda
