Empowering Kavewa: The socio-economic and environmental impact of biogas technology adoption in rural Fiji

Abstract

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) frequently rely on firewood for cooking, resulting in adverse environmental, health, economic, and educational impacts. Addressing clean cooking energy needs is thus a priority for SIDS to meet Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). This study explores policy implications for clean energy access through a case study on Kavewa Island, Fiji, where biogas digesters and stoves were introduced across 22 households. A pre- and post-implementation analysis reveals significant benefits, including reduced firewood collection time, fertilizer production, and monthly savings for some households. Despite these gains, half of the households continue to use firewood daily, often due to family size or low income. Additionally, many respondents expressed concern over the vulnerability of biogas systems to adverse weather, highlighting the need for further resilience measures. Policy recommendations include prioritizing clean cooking initiatives in remote islands, funding for ongoing research and project evaluation, and capacity building to promote sustainable cooking practices. This case study suggests that biogas systems can contribute to the energy, social, and economic needs of remote communities, and that targeted policy support could facilitate a wider transition to clean cooking energy in Fiji, the Pacific, and other similar regions.