Examining Biogas Technology Adoption Process by Using Rogers Innovation Adoption Model: a Case of District Dera Ismail Khan

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to present results of a research based on examining biogas technology (BGT) adoption process in one randomly selected district in Khyber Pakhthunkhwa by applying Rogers' innovation adoption model. Data were collected through individual interviews by using a questionnaire from all 150 rural biogas households in randomly selected villages. Results revealed that among adoption process stages, persuasion stage was more shocking for beneficiaries in a sense that the provision of number of bio digesters both village-wise and household-wise, were made with bias, not uniformly distributed among villages, whereby the potential households lost their interest. The stakeholders promoted BGT with carelessness and emphasized on quantity rather than quality. However, interpersonal communication was noted as a major contributor of building social reinforcement towards BGT adoption. The implementation stage was also found very poor and relevant factors included were inexperienced and careless masons and poor monitoring by the project staff as well as lack of check and balance on building materials. Furthermore, after implementation stage, 47 bio digesters out of 150 were noted as not producing biogas at all. The main reason behind such case was promotion of BGT on 100% subsidization rate without conducting proper need assessment.  The main recommendations for future improvements are included too.