The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Rwanda has partnered with HomeBiogas, an Israel-based company, and the leadership of the Eastern Province to provide 500 households in Rwamagana and Ngoma Districts with movable aerobic digesters and cooking stoves. This technology is a clean and renewable way for rural communities to shift from firewood and charcoal to a more sustainable energy source for cooking.

"Biogas is a game-changing technology that empowers rural communities and helps combat climate change, all while providing a sustainable source of energy and reducing waste," said Bernardin Uzayisaba, Manager of the Project at UNDP in Rwanda.

As part of Rwanda's Green Growth Plan, the government is working to scale up renewable energy solutions in rural households with the help of the private sector and international development partners. This is particularly important in a region where 86% of the population previously relied on biomass for cooking. The switch to biogas reduces dependency on firewood and charcoal and frees up time for women and children who would otherwise spend over six hours a day collecting firewood.

"Our Government has set efforts to protect the environment in the Eastern Province through a programme called: "Transforming Eastern Province's resilience through adaptation (TREPA)," said the Governor of the Eastern Province.
"We thank the UNDP for this milestone that will support 500 households with biogas, a big effort towards environmental conservation and farmers resilience towards climate change."

Biogas is a clean and renewable energy source that is produced through the process of anaerobic digestion. This process involves breaking down organic waste, such as cow dung, in the absence of oxygen to produce methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. These gases are then purified and used in a low-pressure system to generate heat for cooking, hot water, and small electrical generators.

Niyonsaba Francine, a Ngoma resident, said she is overjoyed as she cooks lunch on her new stove. She can now feed her family on time and save money. "Before this Project, my family and I struggled to make ends meet and often had to rely on cutting down trees for firewood. The cost of living was high, and we were worried about our actions' impact on the environment. "We used to spend around RWF 20,000 on firewood, but now we can use that money on school materials for our children."

The use of biogas has several benefits for rural communities. It reduces deforestation and soil erosion, which can lead to water pollution and the loss of biodiversity. It also increases agricultural productivity and food security, providing a source of income for rural households. Biogas can also reduce indoor pollution and related respiratory diseases, as it produces less smoke than traditional cooking methods.

In addition to its environmental benefits, biogas can also help Rwanda meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The NDC aims to reduce emissions by 38% from the "business as usual" scenario, and biogas has the potential to play a significant role in this effort. Agriculture, energy, and waste account for 98% of GHG emissions in Rwanda, and biogas can help reduce these emissions while providing a more sustainable energy source.

Biogas is considered to be an essential tool in the fight against climate change because it has the potential to replace fossil fuels, which are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Using biogas as an energy source can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and decrease the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Additionally, biogas can help reduce the amount of organic waste in landfills, generating greenhouse gases.

Overall, biogas is a promising solution for rural communities looking to shift away from fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint. It is a clean and renewable energy source that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change while also improving the lives of those who use it.