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Factors contributing to abandonment of household biogas digesters in rural China: a study of stakeholder perspectives using Q-methodology

Author

Listed:
  • Meiying Xie

    (Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology)

  • Xiang Cai

    (Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Zhengli Xu

    (Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Nan Zhou

    (School of Management, Shinawatra University)

  • Dongqing Yan

    (Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology)

Abstract

Biogas is a renewable energy source which plays an important role in addressing rural energy and environmental pollution problems. However, more and more rural households are reluctant to use biogas digesters and they have been generally rejected. This research focused on Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region of China, and used the Q-methodology to analyze the reasons behind the barriers for adopting biogas digesters for rural households in China. By visiting and interviewing rural households and government managers, we found that there are four main reasons for the limited use of rural household biogas digesters: (1) reductions in the rural work force and land area; (2) a poor system of follow-up service for biogas digesters; (3) the advantages of alternative energy; and (4) raw material shortages. Moreover, there is blame shifting among government managers and farmers on the reasons for abandonment of household biogas digesters in rural China. This study is helpful to understand the actual reasons behind the abandonment of biogas digesters and the rural renewable energy source management in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Meiying Xie & Xiang Cai & Zhengli Xu & Nan Zhou & Dongqing Yan, 2022. "Factors contributing to abandonment of household biogas digesters in rural China: a study of stakeholder perspectives using Q-methodology," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(6), pages 7698-7724, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:24:y:2022:i:6:d:10.1007_s10668-021-01754-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01754-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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