In rural Tanzania, over 70% of the population are estimated to lack access to electricity. As a result, firewood, charcoal, and kerosene remain the primary sources of energy for cooking and lighting. This heavy reliance on firewood has placed immense pressure on the country’s forests, disrupting rainfall patterns and exacerbating climate change. Biogas offers an efficient and practical alternative, reducing both carbon footprints and the burden of firewood collection for rural households.
BIOGAS DEMONSTRATION PLOTS: PAVING THE WAY FOR CHANGE
At Chibila, in the Southern Songwe region, the Mtafya family has embraced biogas technology. By installing a biogas digester that runs on cow dung, they have significantly cut energy costs while also reshaping household responsibilities.


We generate enough energy for cooking and lighting with the biogas digester. It produces sufficient gas to fuel a cooking stove and multiple gas lanterns.
BIOGAS: A COST-EFFECTIVE AND ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTION
According to Meliha Mtafya, adopting biogas has enhanced cleanliness in their homestead and improved her family’s health. Women from neighboring homes now frequently visit her boma to prepare breakfast using her biogas stove. She actively encourages others to adopt this technology, emphasizing its affordability, simplicity, and positive environmental impact.
Widespread adoption of biogas digesters will significantly reduce deforestation in our region and help fight climate change.
HOW BIOGAS DIGESTERS WORK AT THE HOUSEHOLD LEVEL

