Biogas for a better life - SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Conclusions.
This assessment is based entirely on macro-level
data whereby some of the information had to be
“manipulated” to arrive at –for biogas- meaningful
indicators. Hence, this assessment cannot be a
substitute for detailed research at country level.
Nevertheless, the results of this assessment are in the
same order of magnitude as some of these recent
feasibility studies.
The technical potential for domestic biogas in Africa
appears to be significant; 1 in 4 agricultural households
on the continent would qualify, translating in a total
potential of some 18.5 million installations. With the
current –UN Millennium Development Goals and UN
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment induced- activities
aiming to improve livestock holding practices, water
accessibility and the environment in general, the
technical potential for domestic biogas is likely to
increase over the coming decade. In addition, the
growing scarcity of traditional and fossil energy sources
as well as the high costs of modern energy sources
(electricity, LNG) in most rural areas will likely improve
the economy of investment in a biogas installation over
time.
The need for biogas, in terms of its potential
contribution to development, energy, health & sanitation
and environment, seems even larger than its potential
demand; Africa’s status on these aspects is alarming. In
this respect the BFIs provide an indication of “low
hanging fruit” for starting large-scale biogas
programmes, but are by no means a guarantee for
success.
Domestic biogas in Africa; a first assessment of the potential and need.