5 Common Myths About Biogas—Debunked

Biogas is no longer just a buzzword—it’s becoming a real game-changer for small-scale farmers. Across rural Africa, agricultural communities are discovering how waste can be turned into wealth, powering homes, enriching soil, and unlocking new revenue streams. Here's how biogas is reshaping the future of farming.

Turning Farm Waste into a Valuable Resource

Livestock manure and crop residue are often seen as waste to be discarded. But through anaerobic digestion, these materials are now being converted into two powerful resources: clean cooking gas and biofertilizer.One farmer in Kaduna, Nigeria, reduced his reliance on firewood by 80% after installing a basic biogas digester. Not only did this lower household fuel costs, but it also eliminated daily firewood collection—a task that used to take over two hours each day.

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Improving Soil and Crop Yield

Biogas doesn’t stop at energy. The byproduct, known as digestate, is a nutrient-rich biofertilizer. It improves soil structure, boosts microbial activity, and increases crop productivity without the long-term degradation caused by synthetic fertilizers.Farmers in Kenya using biofertilizer have reported a 15–25% increase in maize yield in just one growing season.

Cutting Energy Costs and Carbon Emissions

With fuel prices rising, small farms can no longer afford diesel generators or imported LPG. A biogas system allows them to generate renewable energy on-site, using waste they already produce.A pilot program in Tanzania saw households cut monthly energy costs by over 60%, while reducing methane emissions by capturing and repurposing them.

Generating New Income Streams

Some farms are scaling up their digesters and selling excess gas or fertilizer to nearby communities. This creates a circular economy where energy and nutrients flow back into the land and local market.In Uganda, a smallholder cooperative installed a shared system and now sells biofertilizer to nearby banana growers, generating up to $300/month in supplemental income.

A Path to Energy Independence and Climate Resilience

Biogas empowers farmers to become more self-sufficient and less vulnerable to climate disruptions or supply chain shocks. As climate change affects rainfall and crop cycles, having a consistent energy and fertilizer source helps build resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Biogas reduces reliance on firewood, diesel, and chemical fertilizers
• Biofertilizer improves yields while restoring soil health
• Energy costs can drop by more than half
• Small farms can generate new income from excess fertilizer or gas
• Biogas contributes to climate resilience and energy independence

Conclusion

Biogas is more than a renewable energy solution—it’s a practical, cost-effective tool that empowers farmers to do more with what they already have. From reducing fuel expenses to improving soil health and creating new revenue streams, the impact is clear. As more small farms adopt this technology, the agricultural landscape in Africa is being reshaped—cleaner, more resilient, and future-ready.