Njakwa village
T/A Khongoni-Lilongwe Rural
With rising costs of charcoal and electricity, many farmers in Malawi are turning to biogas as a cheaper and cleaner source of energy. Biogas uses animal waste, crop residues, and organic matter to produce gas for cooking, heating, and even powering small equipment. This solution not only saves money but also protects the environment.
Biogas is a renewable energy source made by breaking down organic waste (like pig and poultry manure) in a digester. The process produces methane gas, which can be used for cooking, heating brooders, or lighting homes.
Saves money – reduces dependence on firewood and charcoal.
Protects the environment – less deforestation and reduced CO₂ emissions.
Reliable energy – available all year round from livestock waste.
Fertilizer benefit – the by-product (slurry) can be used as rich organic fertilizer.
Step 1: Collect animal waste (pig and poultry manure are the best).
Step 2: Install a biogas digester (small for households, larger for farms).
Step 3: Connect the digester to stoves, heaters, or lamps.
Step 4: Train household members or farm workers on safe use.
Initial Cost: Biogas systems require some investment, but long-term savings make it worthwhile.
Maintenance: Regular feeding of the digester is essential. Farmers should be trained on upkeep.
Awareness: Many farmers are not yet familiar with biogas, so demonstration farms and training are key.
If widely adopted, biogas can:
Reduce household energy expenses.
Improve farm productivity.
Cut national reliance on charcoal, protecting forests.
Empower farmers with clean and modern energy solutions.
Biogas is more than an energy source — it is a farming solution that creates value from waste. For Malawian farmers, adopting biogas means saving money, improving sustainability, and contributing to climate change solutions.
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