The impact of biogas conversion technology for economic development: A case study in Kilimanjaro region

Abstract

In Tanzania the overall performance of the country’s social and economic development requires the minimization of the existing energy challenges. Currently, about 80% of Tanzanians live in rural areas, and 90% percent of the populations have no access to grid electricity but rely on fuel wood and charcoal, causing annual deforestation rates of about 500,000 hectares. This problem can be minimised, especially where there is potential, like Kilimanjaro region. However, the level of development of biogas in the region is low and no reliable data to show this effect quantitatively. The author here, therefore, attempts to fill the gap. He realizes that up to 0.5 giga m3 of biogas could be produced daily, exceeding by far the 0.72 millionm3 required for cooking in the region. It was further observed that the energy required for small economic activity in the region is about 3.0MWh, about 0.1% of the total energy that can be generated from agrowaste materials. The application of biogas in Kilimanjaro region is therefore technically feasible, socially acceptable, and economically viable, so sensitisation should therefore be enhanced and research conducted.