Factors Affecting the Intention of Using Biogas in Rural Areas: Evidences of Iranian Traditional Ranchers

Population growth, energy need, scarcity and contamination fossil energy resources in rural area make using clean and renewable energies unavoidable all over the country. Biogas is one of those renewable energies with a high potential to use, among Iranian rural communities. The main object of this study was to investigate factors affecting biogas usage intention among traditional ranchers in Iran. In order to measure those factors, Comprehensive Action Determination Model, which is a model for measuring ecological intention and behavior, was examined. Iranian ranchers were the statistical population of the study and 383 ranchers were selected as sample group using stratified random sampling method. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire which its face and content validity was confirmed by a panel of agricultural extension and education experts and its reliability was estimated by implementing a pilot study. The Cronbach's alpha value confirmed the reliability of the questionnaire towards measuring variables. Findings revealed comprehensive action determination model could assess the intension determinants, appropriately, so that extension system could consider them towards developing biogas usage among traditional ranchers. Besides, findings showed that social norms, attitude, animal husbandry situation, constraints, awareness of needs and consequences, amount of communication with local organizations, and subjective schemata were determinant factors in relation to biogas usage intention by ranchers.