Current status, hurdles and future prospects of biogas digestion technology in Africa

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion of organic wastes results in the production of biogas and a nutrient-rich digestate. The biogas that is produced through this process consists of methane, carbon dioxide and minute amounts of other gases. Methane, which forms the bulk of the biogas, is combustible. Biogas can be used for the provision of heat and light and can even be converted to electricity. This is of particular significance in Africa where a dire energy crisis currently prevails. Biogas technology is still in its infancy in Africa, although recent initiatives have resulted in the accelerated uptake and understanding of the technology in various African countries. National biogas programmes have been implemented in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Benin. These countries have benefited significantly from the technology and serve as showpieces for African countries that have the ability to start up similar programmes without outside assistance. Unlike other forms of renewable energy, biogas technology offers numerous advantages, one main advantage being waste management which is a significant problem in Africa. The major hurdles to the implementation of biogas technology in Africa are the cost implications, lack of communication, lack of ownership and the negative image of the technology caused by past failures. The provision of loans, government assistance, community workshops, wide-scale communication and the implementation of prefabricated digesters could have a significant impact on the increased uptake of the technology in Africa. The adoption of biogas technology in Africa would contribute to the well-being and economic prosperity of the continent as a whole.