Biogas Digesters

Biogas Digester can improve sanitation while providing fuel for cooking and lighting.

An alternative to wood fires for cooking and light are household bio-gas units, which run on fermented manure. When operated properly, the bio-gas unit can provide much more efficient and effective fuel for cooking and lighting than traditional wood fires. Production of biogas not only decreases deforestation, but also has the potential to improve soil fertility, since the slurry byproduct is an excellent organic fertilizer.

Biogas digesters have been promoted by governmental and non-governmental organizations in India and Nepal since the 1950s, especially in areas near national parks. Use of biogas has helped to stop the collection of firewood from the forests, and has been a practical means of improving the habitat for wildlife. Read more and see pictures of one project at http://www.ashdenawards.org/winners_04_07.html

Women and children benefit the most from biogas digesters. In rural areas where there is generally no electricity supply, the introduction of biogas has given women a sense of self-worth and time to engage in more activities outside the home. There has also been an improvement in the standards of family hygiene.

Biogas digesters can address a number of problems, including deforestation, indoor health problems caused by wood smoke, soil fertility, time spent gathering firewood, and lack of efficient and affordable light sources for studying during evening. Biogas digesters can also improve sanitation. Human waste can also be effectively treated through the anaerobic digester, resulting in pathogen free organic slurry.