Climbing up the ladder: the functionality of household level bio-digester’s in rural Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigates the factors that determine the functionality of bio-digesters in the rural households of East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focused group discussions, and key informant interviews. Results indicated the functional status of digesters was better functional (58.81%), poorly functional (32.23%), and non-adopter (8.9%). Cattle head, follow-up and support, and frequency of extension contact were found to have a positive influence on the functional status of bio-digesters. While distance to a water source and distance to the nearest markets for appliances were found to have a significant and negative influence on the functional status, Improving institutional follow-up and accessing water sources and market centers in the vicinity of the household could improve the functional status of bio-digesters.