Publications

This study examines the possible set-up of a National Domestic Biogas Programme (NDBP) in Senegal by clearly stating the steps needed in order to establish the programme, as well as functions needing urgent action by key actors involved in the programme.

Study findings (workshop, field visits, and interviews) indicated that the available institutional framework in the country had sufficient potential for biogas installations. The interest on the side of farmers in the biogas sector was also high. Ministry of Energy was considered as the most suitable institution in realizing a relationship with wider institutional context, and its Agence Sénégalaise d’ Electrification Rurale (ASER) - as the most appropriate implementation agency.
Study recommendations include the need for Ministry of Energy/ASER to determine, within the framework of the national budget allocation procedures, the potential Senegalese budgetary contribution on the basis of the feasibility study and its programme outline. Ministry of Energy/ASER also needs to connect itself with the ongoing process for establishing the programme and disseminating domestic biogas.

Recommendations to SNV WCA stated the urgent need for finalizing its conditions and intervention modes in biogas activities, as well as deciding on possible collaboration activities with ENDA TM. Further, SNV WCA needs to continue execute all necessary steps to be able to assign staff to the NDBP in Senegal as soon as all parties have committed themselves to the programme. The report also presents in detail all functions that need to be executed, as well as the most suitable actors for that purpose.

This report presents the outcomes of a field visit in the Kaolack region in Senegal, initiated in order to obtain more information about the practices in this region for biogas use.

Study findings in terms of cattle keeping practices revealed that most cattle households grazed their animals for 6-8hrs a day and stabled them in their compound with a rope or in a basic stable. Further, a few examples of artificial insemination were seen to improve milk and meat cows, which indicated an
interest on the side of farmers to engage in innovative activities if they proved to be beneficial. Further, manure was used to fertilise the fields at the time of planting and water was available through boreholes.

Study findings in terms of size and cooking showed that families were bigger in number than initially expected by SNV (10-15 people). It also appeared that there was only one kitchen for each family available for cooking, with big stoves fuelled by fire wood, which was mostly purchased. During the field visit it became clear that potential biogas installations would not be able to fully satisfy family cooking demand.

Energy in Africa capability statement

Report on the feasibility study on a national programme for
domestic biogas in Senegal (2007).

This study assesses the feasibility of setting-up and implementing a National Domestic Biogas Programme
(NDBP) in Senegal on a technological, economic, social and environmental level. Because of the high costs of domestic fuels, their scarcity and commercialization, there is a considerable need for domestic biogas services.

Study findings indicated that the technical conditions for operating biogas plants are met to a large extent by most households (access to water within 1km, sufficient cattle and dung on a daily basis). In order to test the demand for biogas in the country and to allow time to develop the most suitable model for installation and dissemination, a one year pilot phase has been recommended.

It was estimated that the investment cost for a typical biogas plant was high, which is why a combination of subsidy and credit has been proposed. A market-oriented introduction of the technology has been advised, where biogas construction companies would be responsible for marketing, construction and after sales service. Since such companies were not present in Senegal at that time, extensive training efforts were needed. As for an implementation partner for the programme, although Agence Senegalais d’Electification Rurale (ASER) seemed suited for assuming overall responsibility of the project, a more detailed stakeholder analysis was advised in order to select the most suitable partner.

The study presents in detail the costs and benefits associated with biogas installation, as well as detailed recommendations for future action in terms of the four analysis levels (economic, social, environmental and technological).

This practice brief shares SNV's experiences in supporting pastoralists in Africa to improve their livelihoods. It bringstogether a wide variety of cases from across the continent that draw out a number of commonalities in pastoralist practices, for instance their management of water resources in Tanzania and Niger. But it highlights as well the diversity of the contexts within which pastoralism operates, as seen in the contrasting scales of dairy processing in Kenya, Niger and Burkina Faso, or the different roles played by local brokers in the livestock markets of Southern Sudan and Benin. Working with pastoralists has taught us that they are not the traditionalists they are often depicted to be. They are adapting to rapid change as much as any other group in Africa. This Practice Brief highlights a variety of adaptation strategies, commercialisation options and institutional arrangements that are currently in use. These diverse experiences demonstrate that SNV support has helped bring about tangible improvements in pastoralist livelihoods, whilst increasing their contribution to economic  development in some of the most challenging environments in Africa today.

The 2012 SNV Mali annual report gives an insight of activities undertaken during the year in the country. The report also includes illustrations depicting the year achievements in Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Health and Tousrim.

Capability statement for WASH in Africa