The benefits of biogas in Northern Tanzania

19.08.2020

"When the ECOBOMA project selected our boma (homestead) to pilot biogas technology in our area I never believed it would change our lives to this extent," said Mrs. Naeku Loitore Mrefu - one of the beneficiaries of biogas digesters, installed by the lead partner Oikos, through the GCCA Tanzania project, funded by the EU.

 

"Before the installation of the digester, I used to collect firewood three-times a week but now I go once a week. I now use one bundle of firewood for seven days, compared to every three days before the installation. This allows me to do other social and economic activities," she recounted.

According to Loitore, the use of biogas has also led to improved cleanness in their boma, as well as better health for the family, as there is no longer as much smoke in the house. Loitore says women from other bomas often come to prepare breakfast for their families at her boma. She believes the increased use of biogas digesters will greatly reduce the rate of deforestation in their area. She also encourages other bomas to use the technology as it is simple, economical and preserves the environment by not cutting down trees for firewood

"Domestic use of biogas for cooking is more time-efficient than conventional fuels, and this has been a key factor in the willingness of people to adopt it. Although communities still require time to collect waste and feed the digester, they now take a much shorter period than the equivalent required to gather firewood and charcoal. Also, as combustion of biogas does not produce soot - like firewood, communities are prevented from respiratory infections and associated diseases as a result of reduced indoor air pollution," said Godlove Stephen, ECOBOMA Project Manager 


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