Biogas Adoption Pathways for Clean Cooking Among Low-income Women in Sub-Saharan Africa

¹ Department of Industrial Technology Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
² IEEE SkillUp Hub, Region 8, United Kingdom.
³ Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

^* Corresponding Author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Household dependence on traditional biomass for cooking remains a major public health, gender, and environmental challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, low-income women face exposure to indoor air pollution, time poverty, and climate vulnerability from firewood and charcoal use. This study investigates pathways to scale biogas as a clean cooking solution for low-income women in sub-Saharan Africa, drawing policy lessons from international energy transitions. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 251 women was conducted using reliability and inter-item correlation analysis, thematic analysis of open-ended responses, and policy synthesis. Findings reveal inadequate government support (Mean = 3.73, SD = 1.34) as the most significant barrier, followed by lack of skilled technicians (Mean = 3.45) and low awareness (Mean = 3.36). Safety and reliability concerns were minimal. Respondents strongly endorsed youth technical training programmes (Mean = 3.65) and NGO-led awareness campaigns (Mean = 3.56). Regular training (Mean = 3.67) and community-level maintenance services (Mean = 3.36) were identified as key sustainability strategies. The paper proposes an integrated adoption pathway emphasising institutional coordination, targeted financing, and local capacity development. This study offers actionable policy guidance for governments, donors, and partners to accelerate gender-responsive clean cooking transitions.