Biogas as a Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Practice
Biogas is a renewable, as well as a clean, source of energy. Gas generated through bio digestion is non-polluting; it reduces greenhouse emissions. The urge to protect the environment is a major reason why the use of biogas has become more widespread. Biogas plants significantly curb the greenhouse effect: the plants lower methane emissions by capturing this harmful gas and using it as fuel. Biogas generation helps cut reliance on the use of fossil fuels, such as coal.
Unlike other types of renewable energies, the process of creating the gas is natural, not requiring energy for the generation process. In addition, the raw materials used in the production of biogas are renewable, as trees and crops will continue to grow. Manure, food scraps, and crop residue are raw materials that will always be available, which makes it a highly sustainable option.
FSC Alpina Korgoren, Sogoo, of Narok County a Biogas Champion
· In partnership with FtMA and Sistema Bio, FSC Alpina Korgoren, Sogoo, of Narok County installed a biogas system in 2021 as part of FtMA interventions in promoting sustainable agriculture. CSA practices.
· The biogas system was installed in 2021 on a pay-as-you-go credit facility arrangement of Kes 5000 monthly, paid to SistemaBio.
FSC Alpina also practices the following sustainable agricultural practices:
1) Commercial agroforestry (She has planted 200 stems of Hass Avocado with plans to expand to 400 stems. She harvests twice a year earning her a good income and has become the learning point for farmers within her area.
2. Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM): The by-product of the biogas generation process is enriched organic digestate, which is a perfect supplement to, or substitute for, chemical fertilizers. The fertilizer discharge from the digester can accelerate plant growth and resilience to diseases.
3. Water harvesting: she has installed gutters around her houses harvesting all rainwater to plastic water tanks whose overflow pipe delivers excess water to the concrete underground water tank for farm use during the dry season.
Quotes
“The technology used to produce biogas is quite cheap. It is easy to set up and needs little investment by the smallholder farmers, furthermore, the waste products of one cow can provide enough energy to power a lightbulb for an entire day.”
“Biogas cooking system saves women and children from the daunting task of firewood collection. Cooking on a gas stove, instead of over an open fire, prevents the family from being exposed to smoke in the kitchen which prevents deadly respiratory diseases”