The Research problem
Milk spoilage due to the lack of effective on-farm milk chilling technologies in off-grid areas is a significant challenge for smallholder dairy farmers in Uganda and Mexico, resulting in approximately 27% and 20% of milk losses annually, respectively. These losses not only reduce farmers’ income but also limit the contributions of dairy farming to the national economies. Current coping strategies, such as boiling milk, degrade its quality and market value, further exacerbating the problem. Despite the potential of biogas-powered milk cooling systems to provide a sustainable solution by utilizing cow dung for energy, little is known about their economic feasibility, the level of awareness, and the attitudes of farmers toward adopting such technologies. This knowledge gap hinders the implementation of innovative solutions to reduce milk spoilage in off-grid farming communities.
Research Design
To address the above. issue, the project will conduct a baseline study in both countries to assess the economic feasibility of using biogas from cow dung to power milk cooling systems and to understand farmers’ perceptions of this technology. Mixed research methods will be employed, including a questionnaire for smallholder farmers to gauge their awareness, perceptions, and attitudes toward biogas-powered milk cooling systems, based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology.
A second questionnaire targeting biogas design experts will collect information on the initial investment and maintenance costs of biogas technologies. Key informant interviews with various experts will ensure that all major aspects of an appropriate and affordable biogas design are considered. The gathered information will be used to visualize and develop potential designs for a prototype biogas-based milk cooling, whose acceptability will be tested among farmers. Additionally, data from the farmer household survey will help identify the types of farmers to target with this technology, thereby increasing its acceptance and adoption in Uganda and Mexico.
Project Objectives
- To conduct a baseline study to evaluate milk spoilage issues, existing cooling practices, and the economic feasibility of using biogas-powered milk chilling systems integrated with solar energy in off-grid farming communities of Uganda and Mexico.
- To assess farmers’ awareness, perceptions, and attitudes toward biogas-powered milk chilling systems using survey data and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework, while identifying target groups for technology adoption.
- To design and refine a prototype biogas-based milk chilling system integrated with solar energy, incorporating insights from farmers, experts, and economic analyses to ensure technical and financial viability.
- To disseminate study findings through reports, publications, and community engagements, and develop strategies to scale and replicate the technology in other off-grid farming communities globally.
