This project aims to develop and implement successful strategies for the re-introduction of biodigesters on Costa Rica’s small and medium-sized family farms.
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The Benefits of Biogas
Biogas and biodigester technologies bear great potentials to improve the livelihoods of rural family farmers, especially if they also breed livestock. The dung of the animals together with farm biodegradables are a valuable resource to be turned into biogas, which can then be used for cooking and for productive use.
However, the number of active biodigesters has been decreasing recently due to insufficient maintenance and a lack of trust in the technology by farmers. In response to this issue, WISIONS and its regional partner Asobiogas are discussing and testing the best strategies for the re-establishment of biodigesters together with representatives of local farming communities.
Rebuilding Trust in the Technology
Family farmers make up the central pillar of Costa Rica's agricultural sector. Therefore, they also are the most important actors in order to re-establish the biodigester technology again. In a joint workshop, five key points have been identified as necessary for rebuilding family farmers’ trust in biodigester technology and for ensuring the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in this important agricultural sector.
Additionally, the adoption of a multi-stakeholder approach combining the successful use of biodigesters by family farmers with support from biogas researchers, local energy practitioners and other local actors will create a knowledge exchange platform. This will support the revitalisation of the use of biogas technology among other family farmers. The main goals are to develop and implement successful strategies for biogas application and to provide other family farmers with the opportunity of adopting the technology.
Establish Knowledge Exchange Platforms for Scaling-Up
WISIONS supports this core project as it accentuates the importance of local knowledge among family farmers for establishing the sustainable transition to renewable energy access. A series of exchanges between the different stakeholders – with a focus on family farmers – will be facilitated and the insights gained will lead to a best case example of how local knowledge can build up resilience and capacity for sustainable energy access in the Global South.
Projects with same technology
Gasification and Biodigestion to Improve Small & Medium Scale Colombian Coffee Farms
This project aims to implement a suite of three technologies: gasification-fuelled cookstoves, tubular plug-flow biodigesters and gasification-fuelled coffee dryers. Using a participative process, six of these demonstration suites will be implemented in five departments of Colombia: Santander (2), Meta, Antioquia, Cauca and Caldas.
Biogas from Slaughterhouse Waste Water Treatment for Heating Purposes
The focus of the project is to demonstrate the potential for producing biogas from slaughterhouse wastewater treatment in Ecuador. Previous research in Bolivia has shown the viability of treating wastewater using tubular digesters with low cost anaerobic filters.
Projects in same country
Validating a Novel Approach to the Productive Use of Biogas to Empower Medium Scale Dairy and Pig Farmers in Costa Rica
This project aims to validate the feasibility of an innovative approach to the productive use of biogas in dairy and pig farms in Costa Rica, avoiding the use of electrical generators.
Exchange: Consolidating the Adoption of Small and Medium-Scale Biogas Technology by Livestock Farmers in Costa Rica
This exchange activity aims to implement a collaborative process seeking to (i) consolidate the use of biodigester technology in Costa Rica and (ii) accelerate the adoption of biogas solutions by small and medium-scale livestock farmers in the country.