ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OF BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM COW DUNG AND KITCHEN WASTE IN JALINGO, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

In developing countries, the increasing demand for sustainable energy and the challenges associated with organic waste management have heightened interest in biogas technology as a renewable energy alternative. This study assessed the economic and environmental sustainability of biogas production from cow dung and kitchen waste in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the availability of biodegradable feedstocks, household willingness to adopt biogas technology, energy generation potential, economic feasibility, environmental benefits, and barriers to adoption. A cross-sectional survey involving 400 households was conducted, complemented by field observations, key informant interviews, waste quantification, and household energy demand assessments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, binary logistic regression, and cost–benefit analysis, including the NPV, BCR, and IRR. The findings revealed abundant biodegradable feedstocks, with average kitchen waste generation of 1.85 kg household⁻¹ day⁻¹ and cow dung production of 10.8 kg animal⁻¹ day⁻¹. Fuelwood remained the dominant household energy source (56.0%), while the awareness of biogas technology was moderate (58.2%) and the willingness to adopt it was high (71.5%). Co-digestion of cow dung and kitchen waste demonstrated considerable potential to meet household cooking energy needs. Economic analysis confirmed the financial viability of biogas investment, with an NPV of ₦287,650, a BCR of 1.86, and an IRR of 21.4%. The environmental assessment indicated potential reductions of 54.7% in fuelwood consumption, 63.2% in organic waste disposal, and 47.5% in CO2 emissions. Education, household income, awareness, and government support significantly influenced adoption, whereas high installation costs remained the principal constraint. The study concludes that biogas technology is a technically feasible, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable energy option for Jalingo and recommends that financial incentives, public awareness, technical capacity building, and supportive policies be implemented to accelerate its adoption.