Tropentag, September 16 - 18, 2026, Göttingen "Towards multi-functional agro-ecosystems promoting climate-resilient futures"

Comparative analysis of biogas technology profitability and adoption dynamics by rural households in West Africa

¹University of Hohenheim, Inst. of Agric. Sci. in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), Germany
²Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition, Germany

Abstract

Transitioning toward sustainable and resilient food systems in sub-Saharan Africa requires integrated solutions that address energy access, soil fertility, and farm productivity. Biogas technology represents such an option by simultaneously providing renewable energy and organic fertiliser. However, its adoption in West Africa remains limited and uneven. This study investigates how economic, and institutional factors shape the profitability and adoption of biogas technology within smallholder farming systems, using a comparative analysis of Benin and Burkina Faso.
Household-level data were collected from six villages across both countries. Results show that biogas adoption is financially viable in both contexts, generating positive net returns. However, average annual net returns differ substantially, with households in Burkina Faso (202,602 FCFA) earning approximately 25 times more than those in Benin (8,229 FCFA). This gap is largely driven by higher firewood prices in Burkina Faso, which increase the economic benefits since biogas is substituting firewood.
The contribution of biogas-derived organic fertiliser to total profit also differs markedly, accounting for 78% of net benefits in Benin compared to 29% in Burkina Faso. This suggests a higher relative value of compost in Benin. However, a paradox emerges: Most adopters in Benin are pastoralists who rely on direct manure deposition during grazing in their farms and are therefore less likely to utilise biogas slurry. In contrast, adopters in Burkina Faso are predominantly crop and vegetable farmers with a high demand for fertilisers. Biogas adoption has enabled them to reduce chemical fertiliser use by an average of 93 kg annually.
Beyond economic factors, qualitative findings highlight the importance of institutional support. The presence of peer user groups in Burkina Faso enhances biodigester functionality and long-term adoption, while in Benin, weak support structures contribute to lower system sustainability. Nevertheless, 90% of adopters in Benin express willingness to commercialise biogas slurry, highlighting untapped market opportunities.
These findings underscore the need for context-specific biogas development strategies that align with local farming systems. Strengthening biogas value chains and local support institutions can foster circular economies that simultaneously improve energy access, soil fertility, and rural incomes.

Keywords: Adoption, biogas technology, circular economies, farming systems, organic fertiliser, profitability

Contact Address: Sakiratou Karimou M, University of Hohenheim, Inst. of Agric. Sci. in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), 70593 Stuttgart, Germany, e-mail: sakiratou.karimoumuni-hohenheim.de