Knowledge, attitudes and practices of biogas technology use in milk-processing SMEs in Northern Tanzania

Abstract

Clean cooking energy sources, including biogas technology, offer considerable benefits by reducing operational costs, improving production efficiency, and strengthening environmental sustainability in milk-processing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of milk-processing SMEs in northern Tanzania regarding the use of biogas technology. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, drawing on semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews with representatives of 150 SMEs selected through convenience and snowball sampling in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Tanga. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data and determine the association between KAP factors and biogas use. The findings show that SMEs had substantial knowledge of the cost and environmental benefits of biogas; however, knowledge gaps persisted regarding system maintenance, with 70% of respondents indicating that they did not know the associated costs, requirements, or operational implications. Attitudes were generally positive, as 76.7% of respondents perceived biogas use as beneficial to their businesses and many expressed willingness to invest in the technology. Logistic regression results indicate that knowledge and attitudes significantly increased the likelihood of biogas use, with odds ratios of 3.025 (p < 0.05) and 2.375 (p < 0.10), respectively. The study concludes that, although awareness and attitudes are favourable, actual use remains moderate because of financial, technical, and institutional constraints. It recommends targeted financial incentives, stakeholder engagement, technical training, and maintenance support to foster sustainable biogas adoption in the milk-processing sector and improve the reliability of SME energy systems.