Mbale turns to biogas

Dec 20, 2004

If nothing is done to solve the problem of scarcity of wood for fuel, there will be in serious ecological problems.

By John Kasozi

If nothing is done to solve the problem of scarcity of wood for fuel, there will be in serious ecological problems.

Today, most of the people in Mbale district depend on firewood as the main source of fuel. As a result of the shortage of firewood and the increased kerosene prices, Mbale residents have turned to biogas as an alternative source of energy.

Fifteen tubular biogas digesters have so far been constructed in the district with the help of Integrated Rural Development Initiative The biogas plants are using cow and pig dung and chicken droppings. Most of the households have cows on zero-grazing which make easier to get biogas.

Biogas provides a cheaper and clean source of energy.
The target is to reduce women’s workload, increase crop yield with minimum pollution of the environment.

Steven Wepukhulu from Bubuulo county says in the morning, the pressure is high. “You can use gas two or three times a day, especially to prepare light meals,” he says.

He adds that in a day, they are able to save about sh1,000 that they would have used for firewood. “Preparing food or tea using firewood takes about half an hour, while with biogas it takes less than this.”

His wife, Beatrice Kakayi, acknowledges that these days they go gardening with confidence. There is no hassle after work. “Porridge or tea takes a short time to prepare. I only use firewood to cook food.”

Perez Wamboga of Buwabwala is all praises for biogas. “This is also very important. We even use residual dung for manure in our gardens,” he says. Many farmers now visit my farm and are amazed by the system,” he says.

John Kutosi says biogas has not only improved the family life but has also boosted his savings. “I used to buy paraffin for cooking but for the last two years since the system was introduced, my expenses have gone down.”

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