People in rural Tanzania still cook over an open fire, which means that they have to collect wood from the highly threatened surrounding forests in order to eat. The dependency on firewood for cooking contributes to the steady growth of deforestation in the area, with a reported 75% to 90% loss of original forest in 5 of the 12 mountain ranges making up the Eastern Arc, which includes the Pare Mountains, an incredible source of biodiversity in the region. It is therefore important to address this issue, providing a sustainable alternative to firewood for everyday household needs. We must act quickly to save what remains of these forests.
In addition to protecting the forest, biogas will allow rural people in Tanzanian villages to Cook fast leaving more time for women and children to participate in other economic activities or in attending school. Also, biogas emits no smoke, and is very clean thereby Limiting the family members being affected by the smoke for their respiratory systems and eyes or getting ill in their abdominal systems.
We hope to start with biogas facilities for 10 families, but also to raise awareness in the local area of the potential that their cow’s manure and this simple technology have to improve their conditions and protect local forests through the availability of more sustainable energy. Through experience we know that in this area it is not enough to place limits on firewood per family or educate people about planting trees. We must provide them with a more sustainable replacement for firewood.
We hope to start with biogas facilities for 10 families, but also to raise awareness in the local area of the potential that their cow’s manure and this simple technology have to improve their conditions and protect local forests through the availability of more sustainable energy. Through experience we know that in this area it is not enough to place limits on firewood per family or educate people about planting trees. We must provide them with a more sustainable replacement for firewood.
In addition to the environmental problems created by the dependence on firewood in this region, by occupying the time of women and children with the hard work of collecting firewood and cooking, it prevents families from changing their economic situation. They have only enough time to grow enough food for themselves and excess time is spent collecting firewood and cooking. If they would have the chance to participate in other economic activities, many families could afford to send their children to school, if those children were not already occupied with this important job as well.
Advantages of biogas
· Provides a non-polluting, renewable source of energy
· Efficient way to create energy, which saves wood and protects forests
· Saves women and children from the drudgery of carrying firewood and saving time consumed in cooking
· It is more sanitary than cooking over an open fire and lowers exposure to smoke
· Produces enriched organic material, which can supplement of even replace fertilizers
· Leads to sanitation, hygiene, and environmental improvements
· This technology is cheaper and simpler than those for other bio-fuels and is ideal for small scale applications
· Any biodegradable matter can be used as a substrate
· Provides a non-polluting, renewable source of energy
· Efficient way to create energy, which saves wood and protects forests
· Saves women and children from the drudgery of carrying firewood and saving time consumed in cooking
· It is more sanitary than cooking over an open fire and lowers exposure to smoke
· Produces enriched organic material, which can supplement of even replace fertilizers
· Leads to sanitation, hygiene, and environmental improvements
· This technology is cheaper and simpler than those for other bio-fuels and is ideal for small scale applications
· Any biodegradable matter can be used as a substrate