Pilot Project for the Installation of Domestic Family Size Biogas Units in Rural Swida (SYR/OP3/05/02)

Project Details & Results

The overall objective is to initiate the spread of biogas units in rural Swida through the development of a locally adapted prototype, the establishment of demonstration sites, training for local people on constructing the biodigesters, and public awareness-raising about the benefits of the model.
biogas units will be built in cow farms in rural Swida to treat animal wastes; therefore the alleviation of those wastes' adverse impact on environment and public health and at the same time generate an alternative source of energy. Moreover, the process of treating farming wastes will result in producing organic fertilizer which can form an additional source of income for farmers.

Notable Community Participation
Participants and beneficiaries will include individual farms in five villages as follows:
 Raha (village#1): one farm with 3-5 cows,
 Am Al Rumman (village#2): one farm with 3-5 cows,

Participants also include WPSNS' members (specially those renewable energy experts amongst members). In addition to the above individual farms, beneficiaries also include all public institutions concerned with the development of local and cheap biodigersters. Indirect beneficiaries will include school students who will be introduced to new prospects in animal waste and energy generation. Technicians working on the project will learn more about the biogas units.

Capacity - Building Component
This project will conduct intensive training to develop the capacity of at least one local person at each site to build and operate the biogas unit. These individuals will later be responsible for spreading the technology around their area. In addition, the project itself will employ technicians, who through the process of working with this project will learned more about biogas units and will be familiar with the particular developed model. These individuals will also be more capable of facilitating the spread of biogas technology. Finally, the project’s expert is a professor at a local university, and students at that university will have an opportunity to intern with the project as a part of their studies.

Financially, funds allocated to developing biodigesters in all five farms will be considered loans. This loan system will make it possible that the cost of biodigesters be recovered in five years and thus more local farms can be supported.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
 Livelihoods of participant farmers enhanced (organic fertilizer production, energy production and better product as a result of the safe disposal of animal waste).

Project Results
number of participants/beneficiaries: female 9, male 6, children 7
capacity building: male 45, female 11

activities performed: establishment of 3 biogas units in rurla Swida

immediate benefits received by the participants and/or the recipient communities:
Improving living standards of participant household through
- production of gas for domestic use which lead to significant saving in energy costs
- improving health conditions in the household
-providing extra income through selling organic fertilizer