The determinant factors of biogas technology adoption in cattle farming: Evidences from Pati, Indonesia

Abstract

Even though biogas technology has been introduced in Indonesia since 1990’s, the rate of biogas adoption in Indonesia runs slowly. It is therefore important to understand the factors encouraging or discouraging potential adopters in building biogas digesters. The development of the livestock sector, especially cattle farming, in Indonesia can be seen as an opportunity to increase the rate of biogas adoption. This study investigated the factors influencing cattle farmers’ adoption biogas technology. A cross-sectional research survey was carried out by using structured questionnaires as the primary tool to collect data from both biogas adopters and non-biogas adopters in Pati regency, Indonesia. The socioeconomic characteristics of potential biogas adopters play an important role to ensure the adoption of biogas technology sustainable. A higher social status influences individual to adopt biogas relatively earlier than other members of a social system. Higher income and education also enable traditional farmers to either finance biogas digesters with their own money or access aid from the government or other agencies. Amongst other attributes of innovation, the advantages of installing biogas digester can be seen to speed up the rate of biogas adoption. Having a biogas digester was perceived as a better option and generated more benefits as compared to previous technologies or methods.