MZUZU UNIVERSITY

PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE (CHOMA/CHIGWERE BIOGAS PROJECT) FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 2008 – JANUARY 2009

SUBMITTED TO

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONLILONGWE, MALAWI

BY

THE TEST AND TRAINING CENTRE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES (TCRET)

JANUARY 2009

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE - CHOMA/CHIGWERE BIOGAS PROJECT

1.0 PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the project is to reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions into the

atmosphere through the promotion of using biogas instead of charcoal and firewood for

cooking. Biogas is a by-product of the decomposition of organic matter by anaerobic

bacteria. It consists of primarily methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and traces of

nitrogen, sulphur compounds, volatile organic compounds and ammonia. It has a heat

value of its methane component and may be used directly as a heat fuel or in internal

combustion engines.

If biogas is used for cooking instead of firewood and charcoal, a 4m3 biogas plant would

reduce deforestation by 37 hectares per year. The project will therefore reduce the

emissions of CO2 and CH4 by promoting the use of biogas for cooking. It will reduce

emissions by reducing the consumption of firewood and charcoal hence reduces the rate

of deforestation. Biogas technologies also reduce CH4 emissions from natural

decomposing manure. If more biogas than what is required is produced it will then be

sold in the city instead of firewood and charcoal.

Biogas technology is therefore an important component in the fight against climate

change.

2.0 ABSTRACT

This is a second progress report on implementation of the Fight against Climate Change-

Choma/ Chigwere Biogas Project. It covers the activities, which have been undertaken in

implementing the project from October 2008 to January 2009. These activities include but not

limited to: completion of the first digester plant, Official Launch of the project by the British High

Commissioner, consultative meetings with traditional leaders, Dairy Cooperative leaders and

dairy farmers and site selection for the construction of the next four biogas digesters.

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3.0 PROGRESS REPORT

3.1 Completion of the First (Demonstration) Plant

The first digester has since been completed and is operational as from 2nd October

2008. Gas has been connected to two kitchens and one additional kitchen will be

connected as soon as it is determined that enough gas is being produced. User

training and monitoring of the performance of this plant are being carried out regularly

before the plant is finally handed over to the community.

3.2 Project Launch

The British High Commissioner to Malawi His Excellency Richard Wildash officially

launched the project on The 2nd October 2008. The official launch took place at

Luguwa Mhlanga Village (where the first biogas plant is built) and at Mzuzu

University. The High Commissioner (accompanied by the Vice Chancellor of Mzuzu

University – Professor Landson Mhango) commissioned the biogas plant. Later on the

guests went to Mzuzu University where launching speeches were made. Traditional

leaders, government officials, religious leaders, members of the Mzuzu University

community and members of the public attended the function amongst others.

3.3 Meeting between British High Commission and TCRET

A meeting was held on the 5th December 2008 at the British High Commission offices

between TCRET and the donor. Messers Maxon Chitawo, Fredrick Munthali and

Collen Zalengera represented TCRET; and Mr Enock Fulutuna represented British

High Commission. Highlights of this meeting included the following:

Project vehicle should not be purchased as the donor felt that it was not good

value for money considering the size of the project. The donor emphasised the

need to direct more resources to the beneficiary communities. TCRET was

therefore asked to resubmit a budget profile for the period December – March

2009 and a work plan for the 2009/ 2010 financial year. (Both the budget profile

and work plan have since been submitted) (See Appendix 4 & 5).

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The donor informed TCRET that the project was not funded for the 2008/2009

financial year because the donor was of the view that TCRET had still a lot of

money not utilised from the initial funding. However the next funding was going to

be considered in the 2009/ 2010 financial year based on the utilisation of the

current funding.

The donor informed TCRET that financial statements should be based on the

accrual accounting system and not on the cash basis accounting system as this

does not reflect all the expenditures made during a particular period of time. The

donor also emphasised the need to have financial statement to be prepared on

time i.e. quarterly.

3.4 Identification of potential Sites for the Construction of Next Four Biogas

Plants

TCRET staff held several consultative meetings with traditional leaders, Dairy

Farming Associations committee members, dairy farmers and prospective

beneficiaries of the project from within Choma and Doroba Area. These are some of

the ongoing meetings being carried out during the implementation of this project. The

main objective of these particular meetings was to identify sites for the construction of

the next four biogas plants. Consultations were carried out to ensure that the

communities are involved in the decision making process of site identification so that

they own the project and to build trust between them and the project implementers

(TCRET).

During the consultation process the communities identified potential beneficiaries

after TCRET staff briefed them with regards to the requirements of a potential site for

a biogas plant. During these consultations a total of eleven potential beneficiary

communities were identified (See Appendix 1 & 2).

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3.5 Assessment of Potential Sites

TCRET members of staff accompanied by members of the biogas committee visited

and inspected the eleven communities in order to assess them on the compliance of

the requirements for biogas plant installation. This was done in January, 2009. During

the inspection visits TCRET staff collected information on animal situation, water

availability, resources availability (bricks, sand and labour), community willingness to

participate in the project and the number of potential beneficiary households. This

information was later analysed by members of TCRET staff in order to assess the

suitability of these communities for Biogas Plant installation.

The eleven communities were assessed on their suitability. The main criteria used

were number of animals (cattle and pigs), community willingness to participate in the

project, availability of resources (labour, bricks and sand), potential beneficiaries and

water availability (with the first two parameters being considered as the most

important). Detailed assessment results are shown in Appendix 6.

Five communities complied with the requirement for biogas plant installation namely

(by name of community leader) Mabvuto Chimaliro, James Chimaliro, T.O. Nyirongo,

Dupe Mhlanga and Saulos Luhana. The first four communities were selected for

biogas plants construction. Saulos Luhana will be included in the next phase because

of logistical arrangement. This community is located very far from the other

communities therefore it would be time consuming for the movement of materials and

personnel.

Preparation for construction work has since started on three of the sites.

3.6 Formation of a Biogas Committee

During this period the communities elected a biogas committee. The committee has

ten members comprising of traditional leaders, dairy farmers and ordinary members of

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the community amongst others. The main functions of this committee are to act as a

link between the communities and TCRET, to identify any problems and opportunities

during the implementation process, to check and supervise the progress of

construction works and publicising the project. This committee will be having regular

meetings with TCRET staff to ensure closer collaboration between TCRET staff and

the communities.

3.7 Biogas User Training Course

TCRET staff conducted a biogas user training on the 28th January 2009 at Luguwa

Mhlanga Village - where one biogas has been constructed. The participants included

but not limited to current beneficiaries, potential beneficiaries, members from within

this community and members of the biogas committee. The training was conducted in

Tumbuka and Chichewa. The material covered included basic theory of biogas,

requirements for biogas production, uses of biogas and its by-product, importance of

biogas production in the fight against climate and enhanced food production, biogas

plant operation and safety. Participants were also conducted around the biogas plant

and the kitchen units where demonstrations were carried out to emphasis on various

points.

4.0 FUTURE WORK

Main activities planned for the period February to March 2009 are as follows:

Improvement of animal housing will have to be carried out on two animal houses for

the first plant to ensure that the dung is not mixed with debris. In addition a water

system is being considered for this as it has been noticed that this community

experiences water problems during the dry season.

Baseline survey of the communities.

Concurrent construction of four biogas plants in the communities to be identified.

Mr Collen Zalengera will attend a Biogas Programme Development course at

ESAMI in Arusha, Tanzania.

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5.0 CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT

During the consultation meetings it was still apparent that the communities are having

problems in providing sand as their contribution towards the project. This is mainly due to

the fact that good quality sand is required in large quantities and is not readily available

within their localities. Transport costs are high; therefore the project will continue to help

in sourcing the sand wherever it is appropriate. It has also been noted that most

communities who had bricks have sold them inorder get money to meet their other needs

such as fertiliser and food requirements, therefore the project might assist on a case by

case basis in order not to delay the implementation of the project.

It is also likely that there is going to be some disturbances during construction because

of rainfall. However, it is hoped that the rains are not going to be continuous

6.0 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Currently there are no major changes to the planned schedule of activities; however any

changes are anticipated during the construction period. If any changes are made then

the schedule will be amended accordingly and communicated accordingly. Therefore the

revised schedule that was submitted with the first progress report is still valid (See

Appendix 3).

7.0 CONCLUSION

Construction work of the next four plants will therefore commence as soon as the sites

have been identified. TCRET will continue holding consultation meetings with members

of the communities at every stage of the project to instil ownership of the project and

implement the project together.

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8.0 APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Consultation Process Photos

Doroba Milk Bulking Centre (Venue of consultations)

A cross section of participants during the consultation process

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Members of staff of TCRET making presentations

A group photo after the consultation process

Appendix 2: List of Potential Beneficiary Communities

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AREA VILLAGE NAME OF COMMUNITY LEADER

1 Choma Viweme Chimaliro Mabvuto Chimaliro

2 Choma C.K. Munthali  C.K. Munthali   

3 Choma  Chapelera Luhana Saulos Luhana   

4 Doroba Hannock Mhlanga Dupe Mhlanga   

5 Doroba Mselema Wayiona Mhoni   

6 Choma  Kalani Chawinga Right Chawinga 

7 Choma  Mpata Chimaliro James Chimaliro   

8 Doroba  Kachikumba T.O. Nyirongo   

9 Choma  Chayankhu Chimaliro W.A. Kaunda   

10 Choma  Chayankhu Chimaliro A.G. Chimaliro   

11 Doroba Chinyuwa Nkhata  W.R. Nkhata

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Appendix 3: Revised Schedule of Project ActivitiesProject Activity Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Promotion and SensitizationMeetings with Farmers and Traditional Leaders for SensitizationData Collection (Cattle heads/farmer)GIS Mapping (Locating Potential Installation Sites)Biogas System Design and SizingConstruction of a Demonstration Biogas PlantOfficial Launch

Capacity Building Staff Training in Biogas Technologies at ESAMITraining of Local Builders in Biogas System Sizing, Construction and MaintenanceUser (Beneficiaries) Training on Biogas Digester Operation, and Safety Measures

ConstructionBiogas Digesters Sizing (11 Digesters)Procurement of Construction MaterialsConstruction/Installation of 11 Biogas DigestersTesting and Monitoring (on performance)Commissioning

Monitoring & EvaluationProject MonitoringProject Evaluation

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Appendix 4: Budget Profile for the period December 2008 to March 20093. Activity Based Budget and Profile (45) for December 2008 to March 2009           

 

Expenditure Category Apr May Jun July Aug Sep-08 Oct-08 Nov-08 Dec-08 Jan-09 Feb-09 Mar-09Total Cost(Mk)

   1.0 Official Launch of Project                           1.1 Advertisement (Print & Electronic Media)           0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.2 Launching ceremony           0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00   2.0 Travel (Fuel) - Meetings & Supervision           0.00 0.00 0.00 40,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 130,000.00   3.0 Accommodation & Subsistence           0.00 0.00 0.00 60,000.00 120,000.00 130,000.00 90,000.00 400,000.00   4.0 Project Equipment                           4.1 Laptop       0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 150,000.00 0.00 0.00 150,000.00 4.2 Colour Printer           0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 50,000.00 0.00 0.00 50,000.00   5.0 Construction of 4 Biogas Digesters                           5.1 Purchase of Construction materials                       5.1.1 Cement       0.00 0.00 0.00 50,000.00 250,000.00 250,000.00 200,000.00 750,000.00 5.1.2 Quarry stone       0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 30,000.00 150,000.00 5.1.3 Dambo and River Sand       0.00 0.00 0.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 20,000.00 0.00 120,000.00 5.1.4 Plumbing             30,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 330,000.00 5.1.5 Accessories       0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 70,000.00 270,000.00 5.2 Sub-Contractor       0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 75,000.00 75,000.00 75,000.00 225,000.00 5.3 Fuel           0.00 0.00 0.00 30,000.00 80,000.00 80,000.00 80,000.00 270,000.00   6.0 Training of Trainers                          6.1 Biogas Programme Development                   550,000.00 550,000.006.2 GIS Training               80,000.00     80,000.006.3 Local builders & user training                   0.00 40,000.00   40,000.00     

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7.0 Solar/ Wind Water Pumping System           0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00   650,000.00 650,000.00                       

8.0 Research equipment (Including Biogas Plant at Mzuzu University)       0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 150,000.00 250,000.00 400,000.00                       9.0 Stationery       0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,000.00 25,000.00 20,000.00 60,000.00            0.00          10.0 Awareness       0.00 0.00 0.00 10,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 100,000.00                       11.0 Baseline Survey       0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 35,000.00                       12.0 Environmental Impact Assessment       0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,000.00 0.00 15,000.00                       13.0 Communication           0.00 0.00 0.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 48,000.00   TOTAL                         4,823,000.00

Appendix 5: Work Plan for the period 2009/ 20103. Activity Based Budget and Profile (45) for April 2009 to March 2010               

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 Expenditure Category Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09 Jul-09 Aug-09 Sep-09 Oct-09 Nov-09 Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Total Cost  (Mk)

1.0 Official Launch of Project                          

1.1 Advertisement (Print & Electronic Media) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1.2 Launching ceremony 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

                           

2.0 Travel (Fuel) - Meetings & Supervision 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 42,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 42,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 42,000.00 261,000.00

   

3.0 Accommodation & Subsistence 20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 35,000.00 30,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 25,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 20,000.00 245,000.00

   

4.0 Project Equipment                          

4.1 Laptop 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

4.2 Colour Printer 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

   

5.0 Construction of 4 Biogas Digesters                          

5.1 Purchase of Construction materials                        

5.1.1 Cement 275,000.00 275,000.00 275,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 825,000.00

5.1.2 Quarry stone 65,000.00 65,000.00 65,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 195,000.00

5.1.3 Dambo and River Sand 50,000.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 150,000.00

5.1.4 Plumbing 40,000.00 90,000.00 90,000.00 90,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 310,000.00

5.1.5 Accessories 25,000.00 70,000.00 70,000.00 90,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 255,000.00

5.2 Sub-Contractor 50,000.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200,000.00

5.3 Fuel 60,000.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 325,000.00

                           

6.0 Training                          

6.1 Training of trainers (Biogas technology) 850,000.00                     0.00 850,000.00

6.2 User training     10,000.00     0.00     10,000.00                0.00

7.0 Solar Water Pumping System 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 600,000.00 600,000.00 600,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,800,000.00                0.00

9.0 Research equipment 0.00 100,000.00 100,000.00   0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200,000.00                0.00

10.0 Stationery 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 60,000.00                0.00

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11.0 Awareness 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 180,000.00                0.00

12.0 Baseline Survey 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                0.00

13.0 Environmental Impact Assessment 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                0.00

13.0 Communication 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 144,000.00                0.00

TOTAL                         6,010,000.00

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Appendix 6: SITE ASSESSMENT  

VILLAGE 

NAME OF COMMUNITY LEADER

HOUSEHOLDS (BENEFICIARIES) NUMBER OF ANIMALS

NAME NUMBER OF PEOPLE  Stall Feeding   Total

Outdoor Feeding Total Pigs

AGGREGATEDTOTAL      Adults Children Aged Total Big Small   Big Small   Big Small Total

Viweme Chimaliro    

Mabvuto Chimaliro    

Mabvuto Chimaliro 3 5   8 5   5     0 2 4 6 6.6Gomegzani Chimaliro 2 3   5     0     0     0 0R. W. Chimaliro 1   1 2     0     0     0 0Makaiko Chimaliro 3     3     0     0     0 0Kannock Chimaliro 1     1     0     0     0 0

  Munthali 

C.K. Munthali  

C.K.Munthali 4 4   8 6   6     0     0 6Kambani Munthali 2 2   4     0     0     0 0

Lester Munthali 3 3   6     0     0     0 0

   Chapelera Luhana   

Saulos Luhana      

Saulos Luhana 4 4   8 2 2 4 8 5 13   3 3 8.7Jane Chavula 2     2     0     0     0 0Rabson Luhana 2     2     0     0     0 0Righton Luhana

3 5   8     0     0     0 0

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Dyson Luhana 5 2   7     0     0     0 0Penjani Luhana 3 4   7     0     0     0 0Kelinesi Gondwe     1 1     0     0     0 0

Hannock Mhlanga   

Dupe Mhlanga   

Dupe Mhlanga 3 4   7 2 1 3     0 4 12 16 6.3Mwandira 2 3   5     0     0     0 0

Ngwira 2 3   5     0     0     0 0

 Mselema  

Wayiona Mhoni   

Wayiona Mhoni 3 2   5 6 3 9     0 2 5 7 9.25Good Mhoni 3     3     0     0     0 0Matembo Mhoni 3     3     0     0     0 0

        0     0     0     0 0

 Kalani Chawinga  

Right Chawinga   

Right Chawinga 3 2   5 1   1 8 4 12     0 6Benson Chawinga 2     2     0     0     0 0Menson Chawinga 3 2   5     0     0     0 0Yesaya Chawinga 2   1 3     0     0     0 0

  Mpata Chimaliro      

James Chimaliro        

James Chimaliro 2 4   6     0 6 6 12     0 4.5N.W. Chimaliro 1 2 1 4     0     0     0 0Emelia Muwisa 1 3   4     0     0     0 0        0     0     0     0 0Hannock Mpata 8 13   21     0     0     0 0Leo 2 4   6     0     0     0 0

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KazembeC. Mwamlima 3 1   4     0     0     0 0Josephy Mwanza 3     3     0     0     0 0

  Kachikumba   

T.O. Nyirongo     

T.O. Nyirongo 5 8   13     0 12 4 16 2   2 8Nyaunthali 4 4   8     0     0     0 0H.O. Nyirongo 6     6     0     0     0 0Jamani Nyirongo 2 2   4     0     0     0 0Mabvuto Nyirongo 2 1   3     0     0     0 0Yohani Nyirongo 2 1   3     0     0     0 0

 Chayankhu Chimaliro 

W.A. Kaunda  

W.A. Kaunda 2 2   4     0 11 5 16     0 6.75Kesbel Kaunda 2 3   5     0     0     0 0Pardon Kaunda 3 4   7     0     0     0 0

 Chayankhu Chimaliro  

A.G. Chimaliro   

A.G. Chimaliro 3 2   5 4 1 5     0     0 4.5J.T. Chimaliro 7 1   8     0     0     0 0G.C. Chimaliro 5 2   7     0     0     0 0Joyce Chisambi 3 3   6     0     0     0 0

Chinyuwa Nkhata     

W.R. Nkhata     

W.R. Nkhata 5     5 5 2 7     0     0 6Thompson Nkhata 5 3   8     0     0     0 0Rackwel Nkhata 3     3     0     0     0 0Edgar Nkhata

2 1   3     0     0     0 0

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Harry Nkhata 2     2     0     0     0 0Green Nkhata 6 2   8     0     0     0 0

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