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Effect of Extension Training on Farmers’ Knowledge of Biogas Production from Farm Waste

Abstract

Biogas production from farm waste is an agricultural waste management practice that involves converting animal manure, crop residues, and other organic farm materials into a useful source of renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. The practice can provide farmers with an alternative energy source for cooking, heating, and other farm-related activities while reducing the accumulation of agricultural waste. Extension training can provide farmers with relevant knowledge and practical skills required to understand biogas production processes and utilize farm waste effectively. This study will examine the effect of extension training on farmers’ knowledge of biogas production from farm waste. It will assess the extent to which training provided by agricultural extension agents improves farmers’ understanding of biogas production and the use of available farm waste as feedstock for biogas generation. The study will also examine farmers’ level of knowledge before and after exposure to extension training on biogas production. The study will focus on extension training activities such as farmer education, practical demonstrations, training workshops, farm visits, group discussions, and distribution of technical information on biogas production. It will examine farmers’ knowledge of suitable farm waste materials, preparation of feedstock, anaerobic digestion, biogas digester operation, gas collection, utilization of biogas, digestate management, maintenance, and safety practices. Attention will also be given to farmers’ awareness of the economic, environmental, and agricultural benefits of converting farm waste into biogas. A quantitative research approach will be adopted for the study. Data will be collected from farmers using structured questionnaires designed to assess their knowledge of biogas production and their exposure to extension training. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation will be used to summarize the data, while correlation and regression analysis will be used to examine the relationship between extension training and farmers’ knowledge of biogas production. Where applicable, pre-training and post-training knowledge levels will also be compared. The study is expected to reveal that extension training has a positive effect on farmers’ knowledge of biogas production from farm waste. Farmers who receive adequate training, practical demonstrations, and technical guidance are expected to demonstrate better knowledge of feedstock selection, digester operation, biogas utilization, and safety practices. However, inadequate training opportunities, limited access to technical information, high installation costs, and insufficient availability of biogas equipment may restrict farmers’ ability to fully understand and apply biogas production practices. The study will be useful to farmers, agricultural extension agents, renewable energy organizations, government agricultural agencies, environmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, researchers, and providers of biogas technologies. The findings may assist extension personnel in developing practical training programmes that improve farmers’ knowledge of renewable energy technologies and encourage the productive use of agricultural waste. It may also provide information for designing agricultural and environmental programmes that promote sustainable waste management and farm energy production. The study concludes that extension training is an important avenue for improving farmers’ knowledge of biogas production from farm waste. It is therefore recommended that agricultural extension agencies strengthen farmer training through practical demonstrations, field-based learning, farm visits, and accessible technical materials on biogas production. Collaboration among extension organizations, renewable energy providers, research institutions, and government agencies should also be encouraged to improve farmers’ access to appropriate knowledge and technical support.

Keywords: Extension training, farmers’ knowledge, biogas production, farm waste, agricultural extension, renewable energy, anaerobic digestion, animal manure, crop residues, waste management, biogas technology, farm energy, sustainable agriculture, digestate management, agricultural waste utilization.