Classification of Briquettes Selection Criteria Using Principal Components Analysis Approach

Abstract

The briquettes have the potential to reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood while addressing employment issues for youths and women through briquette-making value chain components. However, the marketing that would increase the acceptance of the briquettes requires an essential understanding of the briquettes' critical selection criteria considered by potential briquette users. This study assesses the classes of briquette energy and their preferences. The study specifically investigated the following: 1) level of interest in briquette's geometric shapes, 2) classes for briquette geometric shapes 3) class components leading to purchasing the briquettes. A baseline survey was conducted, which included 330 households in the Morogoro district's urban, peri-urban, and rural communities. The study used a snowball technique to meet with respondents, especially in families with youth and women. Securing information in objectives one and two used the five Likert scales (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, and strongly disagree). In contrast, objective three utilized the five Likert scales of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the order of importance. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method assisted in classification and interpreting the motive behind preferences. The results found that the motive behind the shape preferences was in two categories, each including three principal components. The categories are 1) geometric shapes: round, long, and circular/plate forms, and 2) purchasing influences: performance, attractiveness, and personal capacity. Therefore, the briquettes with technically improved round shapes produced based on the performance factors are recommended for adoption and marketability.