Anaerobic digestion and community development: A case study from Hainan province,China |
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Authors: | Lei Bi Murray Haight |
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Institution: | (1) School of Planning, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, N2L 3G1 Waterloo, ON, Canada |
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Abstract: | Connections and relationships between conservation practices and community development in relation to rural sustainability
have received considerable attention in recent years, especially in developing countries. Among many sound practices around
the world, anaerobic digestion (AD) technology has long been encouraged as an alternative source of energy, while contributing
to resource conservation and economic development initiatives in developing rural areas. Guided by the theme of sustainable
development, the study examined the current applications of AD technology in Meiwan Xincun Village (MWXCV) in Hainan Province,
China. Employing a self-administered questionnaire survey, face-to-face interviews and on-site observation, the study explored
the diffusion process, current operation and local impacts of AD practice. The study identifies that leadership, education,
technical support and local economy are key factors affecting the diffusion of AD, and governmental financial incentives are
significantly effective measures to make the technology economically viable for local residents. The technology was found
to fit into the rural livelihood system of the village, with considerable environmental and socio-economic benefits. Guided
by the leaders of the village, the local residents generally accept and support the practice and are willing to contribute
to introducing the technology in and out of the village. Suggestions regarding the utilization and diffusion of AD elsewhere
are presented to enhance the potential capacity of the practice to generate benefits across rural Hainan. |
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Keywords: | Anaerobic digestion Biogas Community development Public participation Sustainability |
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