EXPLORING ENABLERS AND BARRIERS FOR UPSCALING BIOENERGY TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE BIOGAS ADOPTION IN NIGERIA THROUGH A STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATORY APPROACH

Abstract

This study aims to explore enablers and barriers to upscaling biogas technology as an alternative energy source in Nigeria's rural households through a stakeholders’ participatory approach. Using a mixed methodology, stakeholders were identified through a critical review of national energy policies and interviews; they were chosen from state and national ministries, rural women leaders, farmers' associations, energy investors, financial institutions, and energy regulators. Following this, a stakeholder workshop was conducted involving approximately 50 participants, utilizing a participatory approach. A SWOT analysis was then applied to evaluate stakeholders' input and opinions from the workshop. Results revealed that Nigeria has abundant feedstock, and addressing indiscriminate waste disposal would promote biogas technology as a clean energy alternative. Appropriate trade-offs and synergies among the identified barriers and enablers were presented as reliable measures to enhance further the sustainable adoption of this clean energy solution, complemented by strategic action plans.