Assessment of the level of adoption of efficient energy technologies around Bwindi impenetrable national park. a case study of the southern sector of the park in Kisoro district.

Abstract

Energy is important in all aspects of development and sustaining the nation’s economy. It has a key impact on all issues of socio-economic activities in many nations of the world today. Rural communities rely on solid fuels and traditional, inefficient stove technologies to meet their basic energy needs. Therefore, efficient energy and renewable energy technologies is an excellent opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as environmental degradation. A study was conducted to determine the adoption level of efficient energy technologies for communities that are adjacent Southern sector of Bwindi National park in Kisoro District. The main objective of the study was to assess the adoption level of efficient energy technology in communities around the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Specific objectives were, identify the different energy sources and efficient energy technologies, determine the level of adoption of efficient energy technologies and assess factors affecting adoption of efficient energy technologies. 6 villages adjacent the southern sector for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park were purposively sampled for the study. Within these villages, 204 households were selected by simple random data collection method and household surveys were conducted. Data obtained was analyzed using excel and SPSS. It was found out that communities around Bwindi Impenetrable National park entirely depend on biomass as a source of their energy for cooing as depicted by 91% who used firewood and 9% who use charcoal. Other sources of energy like solar, biogas, hydroelectric power were adopted at minimal level particularly for lighting. The adoption level of efficient energy technologies was 25%. An estimate of 14% had adopted efficient firewood stoves while 11% had efficient charcoal stoves. The most significant factor influencing adoption of efficient technologies was their ability to save fuel. The analysis indicated a significant association between monthly income and technology adoption, as shown by a p-value of 0.040 and therefore, the cost involved in acquiring the efficient energy technologies was a significant barrier. Adoption of efficient energy technology in communities adjacent Bwindi National park is still low because household inadequate income and ability to access them in addition to inadequate information about these technologies. To increase on adoption, there should be coordination across sectors and institutions, increased awareness and dissemination and provide incentives and subsidies.