Exploring the Role of Small-Scale Bioethanol Cooking Fuel Projects in Enhancing Climate Resilience in Alego-Usonga Sub-County, Siaya County, Kenya.

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as a critical global challenge, affecting the most vulnerable populations, particularly in developing regions where agricultural livelihoods rely on stable

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weather patterns. This study sought to evaluate the existing energy status and the climate change challenges affecting these communities, with the aim of establishing their energy requirements and the effects of climate fluctuations. Specifically, the study was carried out to assess community perceptions regarding greenhouse gas emissions from bioethanol versus traditional cooking fuels in Alego-Usonga Sub-County, to determine the socio-economic impacts of bioethanol projects on community livelihoods, and to identify barriers to bioethanol adoption and recommend strategies for scaling up such projects in Siaya. Several delimiters guided the study. Geographically, the research was conducted in the Alego- Usonga Sub-County, one of the six sub-counties of Siaya County. Given that the area faces high poverty levels and has experienced the effects of climate change over a long period, it provided an opportunity for an in-depth analysis of the local context and the unique challenges faced by its inhabitants. The study was anchored on the Energy Ladder Theory, a conceptual framework that explained how households and communities transitioned from using traditional, inefficient energy sources to modern, cleaner energy as their socio- economic conditions improved. A mixed-methods research design was adopted to comprehensively address the study’s objectives. A two-stage sampling method was employed to ensure a comprehensive and representative selection of communities and households within Alego-Usonga Sub-County. A structured household survey served as the primary quantitative tool used to collect data from a broad range of households. The quantitative data collected from the surveys was analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as means, percentages, and standard deviations were used to summarize key variables, including household energy consumption, income levels, and time saved after adopting bioethanol. The study further found that the community perceives bioethanol as a clean fuel source, with respondents strongly agreeing that it reduces air pollution and deforestation. The findings also revealed that bioethanol adoption has had a notably positive influence on household well-being in Alego-Usonga, Siaya County. Further, it was determined by the study that technical limitations, such as the skills needed to operate and maintain bioethanol equipment, were also noted as barriers. Cultural resistance was found to be minimal in this study, suggesting a strong openness within the community towards embracing alternative and cleaner cooking technologies. It was concluded by the study that while there is a promising shift toward cleaner energy through the adoption of bioethanol in Alego-Usonga, traditional biomass fuels like firewood still dominate due to structural and affordability barriers. It was also concluded by the study that while there is strong community openness toward adopting bioethanol cooking technologies in Siaya, significant barriers such as high stove costs, limited access to information, and technical challenges hinder widespread adoption.