Following a model extensively used in India, the Foundation has developed a number of family-size biodigestors which were distribute to a study group of six different households in the region of Sacatepèquez-Guatemala. The characteristics, the functioning, the socio/economical advantages and limitations associated to these digesters have been reported in the scientific literature ( Document 5 and Document 6 ). Anaerobic digestion of the organic waste daily produced by a small family generated sufficient biogas for their basic daily cooking. The economical advantages due to the lessened dependence upon propane and wood burning were accompanied by reduced smoke hazards and contamination due to uncontrolled disposal of garbage. Some of the users were however concerned about the handling of the basic material (cow dang) necessary for the initial generation of anaerobic bacteria, and the occasional presence of mosquitoes.
As a result of a two-year long study, we conclude that only small households strongly motivated by a non-negligible saving on the cost of energy will be dedicated user of the biodigesters. Consequently, any attempt to further develop this technology in developing countries should be restricted to areas of severe poverty.
An additional problem to be considered is the production and handling of the biogas plants. Our study reveals that a person familiar with the assembly and the efficient functioning of the plant ought to be present within the community of users, possibly be a user himself. The cost of each digester, in the order of 200USD, could be significantly reduced if the plants were assembled within the community, thus enabling community members to purchase a unit without a contribution from a Foundation or Municipality.
The simultaneous identification of an area of severe poverty and the opportunity for a local production of biodigestors is promoting a cooperation between Jepa and other non-profit organizations in Colombia. In particular, the Berta Martinez Foundation has executed development projects in the extremely vulnerable area |
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