Biogas user survey, Bangladesh 2010

The Annual Biogas Users’ Survey is a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the biogas plants installed in the year 2010 on energy, health and sanitation, and agricultural systems as well as technical, socio-economic, market, environmental and gender concerns. The methodology used for this survey consisted mainly of quantitative data collection and analysis. The main source of data is a questionnaire survey conducted on 300 biogas using households (annex 1).

The survey structure includes:
• Information on biogas users & plants (sizes, daily use, construction, operation & maintenance, financing);
• Impact on health and sanitation;
• Impact on socio-economic conditions (time, money, education);
• Gender implications of the impact of biogas on users;
• Impact on agriculture;
• Energy, emission reduction and environmental impact;
• Service quality and client satisfaction (financial services, client satisfaction);
• Market (potential, challenges, marketing of bio-slurry).

The recommendations state that there is a need for reviewing the role of the service providers in the field, i.e. the partner organizations. Also, an appropriate and sufficient supervision and monitoring system should be in place by the implementing agency (IDCOL) to make sure that the services provided in the field comply with the standards set at the programme level. Comfortable financial arrangements for biogas users are needed, so the current structure needs review. Greater attention should be also given to improving the training for the biogas users and better diffusion of knowledge on marketing of bio-slurry should be initiated. Essential is also the popularising of biogas through the vibrant media of Bangladesh to create mass awareness.