Adaptation co-benefits of biogas based energy use in rural setting: a case study from Naubasta VDC of Nepal
Student name: Mr Govinda Pathak
Guide: Dr Arabinda Mishra
Year of completion: 2015
Host Organisation: Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) /National Rural and Renewable Energy Program (NRREP), Nep
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Raju Laudari
Abstract: Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) have the potential to support Climate Change Adaptation apart from providing clean and fair access to energy supply. Biogas is one such Renewable Energy Technology, which can provide clean energy access, mitigate Climate Change and also support Climate Adaptation. However, the adaptation co benefits of Biogas technology are often less acknowledged in plans and policies in Nepal. This study examines the adaptation co benefits of Biogas based energy use in Naubasta VDC (Village Development Committee) of Banke district in Nepal. Qualitative Research methods like Semi-Structured Household Interviews, Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were chosen for the study. A single case study of the village is developed illustrating the contribution of Biogas Based Energy Use in Climate Change adaptation of the households. The study finds that Biogas has contributed in Work load reduction, Better Energy Access and Security, Protection of Forest and Biomass, Improvement in Soil Fertility, Increase in Agricultural Yield, Improvement of Livelihood Opportunities and Household Income, Better Health and Sanitation, Increase in Children‘s School Attendance and Improvement in Social Mobilization, Social inclusion & Women Empowerment. These impacts of Biogas further support Climate Change Adaptation by either reducing or managing Climate Risks, addressing the factors and processes leading to Climate Vulnerability or by strengthening the response capacity of households against Climate Change impacts. The study concludes that Biogas Based Energy Use in rural setting has Climate Change Adaptation co benefits. This study is expected to contribute significantly to the Adaptation related knowledge in Nepal. The study also contributes the urge of Climate Policy 2011 to carry out the research in the field of Climate Change Adaptation in Nepal.
Keywords: Biogas, Climate Adaptation, Renewable Energy Technology, Climate Change, Rural
