The transition to clean energy is imperative for reducing health risks, deforestation, and enhancing socio-economic development, particularly within developing countries. A study focusing on the Hadejia Valley of Northern Nigeria reveals significant insights about the adoption of nature-based solutions for energy transition, particularly examining biogas technology sourced from the invasive Typha spp. plant.
The study's primary aim is to explore the willingness of rural households to adopt and pay for biogas technologies. Using focus group discussions and household surveys, conducted from June 2019 to May 2020, the research highlights the socio-economic and cultural factors influencing energy transition decision-making. Researchers R. Tornel-Vázquez, E. Iglesias, and M.L. Loureiro led the investigation under the World Bank-funded TRIMING project, targeting not just the technology, but also the gender dynamics at play.
Access to clean energy is critically linked to improved health and well-being. Currently, more than 2.3 billion people worldwide lack access to clean cooking sources, and the study reveals staggering statistics particularly among the rural population of Nigeria, where only about 15% of households have access to clean cooking technologies. This stark reality places women and children at greater health risks due to exposure to harmful cooking fumes.
One of the significant findings of this research is the high level of willingness to adopt biogas technology, with approximately 72% of participants expressing interest. This willingness is especially pronounced among women, reflecting their primary roles as cooks and family decision-makers. The results suggest cultural factors, such as traditional cooking methods and gender roles, are pivotal to technology adoption.
The study employed the Heckman selection model to analyze the data, ensuring insights account for the socio-culturally embedded roles of men and women. Factors influencing the willingness to adopt biogas included gender, time spent cooking, and the perceived availability of Typha spp., which serves as the biomass source for biogas. Women reported spending an average of six and half hours daily on food preparation, underscoring the potential relief biogas could offer by minimizing cooking time.
These insights affirm the need for targeted policies aimed at raising awareness of biogas among men, as cultural norms often limit women's influence over energy-related decisions. The authors state, "the findings indicate significant influence on adoption rates due to gender and decision-making power." It becomes clear through this research how necessary it is to involve both men and women when implementing new technologies, to accommodate the diverse perspectives within households.
Despite the potential benefits, challenges remain. Cultural apprehensions about the change from traditional to modern cooking methods may deter adoption. The study identifies these cultural concerns as obstacles, particularly among women who fear altering their established cooking practices.
Facilitated access to affordable clean energy based on local resources, such as biogas from Typha spp., is not only about energy access but also impacts broader community dynamics. The authors conclude, "facilitated access to affordable clean energy can positively impact multiple aspects of communities, such as health, poverty, gender equality, and environmental sustainability." This shift aligns with sustainable development goals, illustrating how local solutions can address global challenges.
The research recommends designing biogas technologies to closely match the cooking preferences and practices of local populations. Including information workshops and community engagement can significantly raise awareness and willingness to adopt biogas solutions. Following the findings, the authors suggest the need for public policies to support women's participation and decision-making power, integrating gender-sensitive approaches to technology adoption.
This study provides important guidance for stakeholder intervention and policy development, aspiring to connect energy transition efforts with sustainable development initiatives in rural Nigeria and similar contexts. There is much potential to convert challenges posed by invasive species like Typha spp. not only for energy production but as part of refining clean energy access strategies.
Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies to measure the long-term impacts of biogas adoption, as well as exploring additional nature-based solutions for energy transition across varied global scenarios.