Nutrition
The construction of a biogas plant, as a pilot project (reported in the 2021 annual report), along with irrigation and drinking water systems and training, enabled households in the Petauke region to have a sustainable energy supply, made them less dependent on the rainy season, helped increase crop yields, and created alternative income opportunities. This led to improved food and energy security and sustainably improved access to clean water for some households in the region. The follow-up project, “Farmers’ Energy Cooperative 2,” aims to better meet the needs of the communities addressed during the first project, to use the experience gained to further improve the project, and to enable additional households to improve their food and energy security by the end of 2024.
The origin of the follow-up project
Before the pilot project began, households in Petauke used charcoal and firewood for cooking. While the biogas plant in the pilot project enabled 20 households to connect to the municipal system, the remaining households continued to use firewood. This still contributes to deforestation and poses an increased health risk, as cooking with wood often takes place in unventilated rooms, leading to indoor air pollution. Access to clean water for all households was also limited, as only about 100 households had access to water from the existing borehole and water kiosks. The remaining households continued to obtain water from unprotected and often unsafe sources nearby, which posed a health risk.
Expanding and creating new facilities will enable further supply to the region.
The follow-up project will allow more community members to share in the success of the original project. Several measures will promote improvements in energy supply and quality of life for households. These include the installation of a second biogas plant, encompassing the construction of a permanent dome-type biological wastewater treatment plant, a biogas scrubber, and a storage facility. Additionally, a shelter will be built for the biogas scrubber and the biogas storage facility. The procurement and installation of 30 two-burner gas stoves will enable families directly connected to the plant to use biogas as a clean energy source. Furthermore, a gas compression system will be implemented, including the procurement of gas cylinders with matching gas burners and stoves, and the installation of a biogas compressor. This will increase biogas production capacity, allowing the gas to be bottled for sale to up to 100 households not directly connected to the plant.
The installation of a solar-powered pumping system at an existing borehole is planned to optimize the water supply for consumption and irrigation in the region. This includes installing solar panels and control panels to make pumping more efficient and automated in the long term, thus reducing the load on the biogas generator. Furthermore, two new boreholes will be drilled and equipped with solar-powered pumping systems. This project also includes the installation of a tank stand and a 10,000-liter water tank, which will improve the water supply for both consumption and irrigation by tapping into two additional sources. In addition, three new water kiosks will be constructed, each equipped with a kiosk shelter, a 2,600-liter tank, three taps, and piping. These measures will not only facilitate access to clean water but also significantly improve irrigation and agricultural opportunities in the Petauke region.
The establishment and operation of forage fields, along with support for forage conservation and training in animal husbandry and livestock health services, contribute to improved livestock farming, which in turn has a positive impact on agricultural productivity. The creation and management of forage areas not only provide better livestock nutrition but also the opportunity to sell hay. Furthermore, a fruit and vegetable field is being established and operated, accompanied by training in agroforestry and tree nurseries. These measures aim to supplement and diversify income in the long term, thereby improving nutrition. The installation of a drip irrigation system on one hectare improves the water supply for irrigation and contributes to sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the processing and marketing of organic manure as organic fertilizer is being promoted.
Cooperatives as a driving force for sustainable development
The new project benefits from the cooperative’s joint ventures and savings groups established in the predecessor project to spread the corporate culture and integrate it into the community’s way of life.
The households manage the installed biogas plant and its associated infrastructure, such as the barns, as a registered cooperative. Their organizational skills are also evident in their willingness to form savings groups and thus accumulate savings that can be used for individual member investments. The new project will optimize this cooperative tradition as a foundation for maintaining the business culture initiated by the projects. One way to support the initiatives of the community cooperatives is to encourage the cooperative to offer products and services that members and other farmers in the area need. One such service is collaborating with para-veterinarians, who were trained in the previous project, to provide basic veterinary medicines and services for a reasonable fee. The production and sale of animal feed is another potential source of income.
Training and education provide sustainable provision
Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining the water supply and biogas infrastructure. These measures ensure the continuous availability of biogas and water supply capacity, thereby sustainably improving the living conditions and economic situation of households in the region. As part of this effort, comprehensive training and educational programs are conducted for agricultural workers and cooperatives. This includes training in cooperative management, climate-adapted agriculture, agroforestry, and tree nursery operations. The training covers conservation farming methods and integrated soil fertility management, incorporating compost and manure, as well as the processing, application, and packaging of biosludge. Participants also receive training in animal husbandry, including the use of government and veterinary services. Furthermore, study visits are organized to provide practical insights.
These training courses, workshops and learning visits aim to strengthen the skills and knowledge of households in order to promote sustainable agriculture, create income opportunities and support adaptation to climate change.