Understanding People’s Intentions Towards the Adoption of Biogas Technology: Applying the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate factors that influence people’s intentions to adopt biogas technology in Malawi. The study adopted variables of the diffusion of innovation theory (DIT) (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, and observability) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitude) to assess the intention. The study utilized a quantitative methodology, gathering primary data from 98 potential biogas adopters in five districts in Malawi using a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. After data collection, a reliability test was conducted to determine the questionnaire’s reliability. A multiple regression analysis was performed to establish the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitude were taken as independent variables while the intention to adopt biogas technology was the dependent variable. The study’s results indicated that only compatibility and subjective norms were significant predictors and independently contributed to predicting the individuals’ intentions to adopt biogas technology. This will assist policy makers to provide technologies that will be compatible to people’s culture and lifestyle, hence preventing the wasting of resources. At the same time, the involvement of important people in society will help to raise awareness of the importance of biogas technology.