Motorists’ Perceptions and Attitudes towards Ethanol Blended Fuel in Zimbabwe

Most developing and developed countries have enacted mandatory legislation for use of biofuels (bioethanol) in the transport sector. For most developing countries, the use of biofuels meant to increase energy security, save foreign currency, mitigate climate change, create jobs and rural development. However, motorists have limited knowledge on blended biofuels. This study seeks to investigate the level of awareness and prevailing attitudes of motorists in Zimbabwe where a mandatory ethanol blending policy was recently introduced. The study uses data derived from 200 respondents, to whom a questionnaire was administered. The major challenge faced by motorists is the lack of sufficient information on ethanol blends in general including how they can get their engines modified to take high ethanol blends. About 63.1% were not clear about the technical attributes of ethanol blended fuel especially as it relates to engine efficiency. Secondly, some motorists experienced a number of problems ranging from poor idling (36%), lack of power (19.5%) and difficulties with engine starting (16.5%). Despite all these complaints, 54% of the respondents generally exhibit a positive attitude towards ethanol blended fuel and 60.3% said that they were keen to recommend blended fuel to other motorists. An appropriate institutional, legal and policy framework that supports massive awareness campaigns for use of bioethanol for the transport sector can go a long way to dispel negative perceptions associated with ethanol blends.