Strategies for Enhancing the Adoption of Biogas Technology in Malawi: A Pathway to Achieving Clean Energy Access

Biogas has been identified as one of the viable options which can be used to reduce energy poverty, deforestation and overreliance on the use of biomass and fossil fuels. Despite being introduced in the country decades ago, its uptake has remained limited. To address this challenge, this research was conducted to identify ways to increase its adoption in Malawi and to reduce its dis-adoption. The study employed qualitative methods to gather experience from biogas adopters, disadopters, potential adopters, and energy experts across four districts. The research study was carried out in four districts namely Mchinji, Mzimba, Ntcheu, and Chikwawa. The data collected was an-alyzed through thematic analysis. Results of the study indicated that there are several obstacles that are hindering adoption of biogas technology in the country and these in-clude high investment costs, a lack of post-installation services, socio-cultural barriers, lack of technical support, and a lack of clear policy frameworks. To address these chal-lenges, respondents proposed several holistic strategies which can be used to improve biogas adoption. These involve increasing public awareness, provision of subsidies and soft loans, creating strong technical support systems, setting biogas standards, decen-tralizing demonstration sites, and encouraging cross-sector collaboration. The research observed that a combined approach, supported by policy and driven by community engagement, is essential for increasing biogas technology and guiding Malawi towards clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions.