Biogas Innovation in Serengeti Mara Ecosystem | Institutional Innovations (Innovations, Training Services & Management Practices)

Biogas is clean, non-polluting, smoke- and soot-free fuel. Biogascan be produced from cattle dung through a process called digestion. The biogascan also be used in generating electricity. The Masai Mara Maasai communitygraze a lot of cattle during the day which return to the kraal for the night,thus accumulating a heap of dung every night. However, there is a general lackof awareness on the relevance of biogas technology at household level in theentir Read more..

Description of the technology or innovation

Biogas is clean, non-polluting, smoke- and soot-free fuel. Biogascan be produced from cattle dung through a process called digestion. The biogascan also be used in generating electricity. The Masai Mara Maasai communitygraze a lot of cattle during the day which return to the kraal for the night,thus accumulating a heap of dung every night. However, there is a general lackof awareness on the relevance of biogas technology at household level in theentire Serengeti Mara Ecosystem (SME). Most households in SME have at least onehundred (100) cattle returning to the cattle kraal for the night. Householdshaving at least two or more cattle under zero grazing, and four or more cattleunder semi zero grazing are technically eligible to benefit from biogastechnology. Technically, there is potential for domestic biogas production inthe SME. The increasing wood fuel scarcity in SME and increasing energy costsmean that the benefits of biogas in many households in SME could be enormous.


Assessment/reflection on utilization, dissemination & scaling out or up approaches used

The validation process used participatory tools and techniquesdeveloped through stakeholder consultations. The technology is currently beingused by livestock farmers, local rural communities, women, local hoteliers andbusinessmen. Training of other community members in various aspects of bio-gasproduction will support wider adoption and further scaling of this technology.


Current situation and future scaling up

The use of biogas in the Serengeti Mara Ecosystem and in theneighboring communities is spreading to more households because of economic andenvironmental benefits associated with this technology. It provides a cheaper andclean energy compared to use of fuel wood.

Training of livestock farmers, local hoteliers, women in settingup of the bio-gas system in target areas is required to support further scalingof the technology. Women benefit most from this technology since they areusually the ones in charge of household culinary responsibilities. Thetechnology promotes efficient use of on-farm energy resources and enhances farmers'resilience to biomass energy deficit likely to arise due to drought. Thetechnology is appropriate for promotion in cattle keeping communities wherethere is abundant cow dung goes that is often wasted.


Economic Considerations

 It's a simple and low-cost technology and is easy to set up andneeds little investment when on a small scale. Small bio-digesters can be usedright at home, using kitchenwaste and animal manure. The innovation also provides an opportunity forreducing expenditure on energy.  Use ofbio gas reduces reliance on fire wood for cooking which leads to less cuttingof trees.


Gender considerations

The technology is gender sensitive sincebiogas innovation can be developed and utilized by both men and women in the localcommunities.


Additional information

A biogas tank, a low costinnovation exploiting dung for energy

Clean energy created by Bio Gas

Glossary

Hongo, P., Mugoya, C., Masiga, C. W., Muchane, M., Nikundiwe, A.,Musyoki, C., Wakibara, J., Warui, C., Mwakaje, A., Mayasa, E., Nyawira, M.,Tibuhwa, D., Ongare, D., Ngoru, B., Rugumamu, B., Nyundo, G. A., Wambugu, M.and , Werema, C. 2010. Integrating agro-diversity with conservation to improvelivelihoods in Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. Nairobi and Arusha.


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