Socio-Economic Impact of Household Biogas System (A Household Biogas Study of Belbari Municipality, Morang District)

Abstract

Basically, the domestic biogas system is being implemented in the rural areas of Nepal. This research was based on household survey and conducted in Belbari municipality. The overall objective of this research was to find Socio economic Status of Bio Gas Plant. Primary data were collected from concerned stakeholders-local house owners, health post, Municipal office Belbari Morang. Secondary data were collected from documents, journals, statistical data published by Municipal office Belbari, Central Bureau of Statistics. A total of 40householdswho had bio gas plant from the total population of 120 were taken by simple random sampling method to know the socio economic impact of bio gas.

Six m 3 biogas plants were more popular in the study area as compared to other size of plants (4m 5

3 , 8m 3 ). From the study it is concluded that there is difficulty in finding bio gas maintenance technicians in local level. Majority of the households have connected attached toilet (72.5 percent) with the biogas plant. There has been reduction in occurrence of diseases after installation of bio gas plant and they have been able to save Rs. 4000/- in the treatment of respiratory problem, Rs 2500/- in the treatment of others (headache, eyes etc). The respondent or plant owners are able to save as 6500/-per year in the treatment of health related disease and majority of the respondents reported that the overall economic, environmental and energy condition have been improved. There is need of effective coordinate mechanism in between service provider and local house owners for effectiveness of the government subsidy program, it must be simpler and accessible to all level of households. Equal subsidy to all the people is not reasonable, more subsidies should be provided for the poor and downtrodden people, so that such people can install plants. Application of biogas slurry on farm should be studied systematically, qualitatively and quantitatively. For better management of slurry, training should be provided to the biogas users. Connection of the toilets to the biogas plants should be promoted. This would help further in improving the environment and sanitation.