Publications

This annual report provides more detail of the strategic position choices SNV made in East and Southern Africa in 2007 and illustrates our approach with case studies from our practice.

Energy in Africa capability statement

Report on the feasibility study for a biogas support programme
in the Republic of Rwanda (2005).

This study evaluates the feasibility of setting-up and implementing a National Biogas Programme in Rwanda (desk study, field visits, discussions, etc.).

Study findings indicated that rural households depended for more than 90% on fuel wood to meet their daily energy needs, and that it has become increasingly difficult to satisfy this demand due to the increasing population and strict legislation for reducing fuel wood consumption. The conditions for dissemination of biodigesters as found by the study are on a technological (e.g. water availability; zerograzing; daily temperatures of over 20 0C), economic (e.g. scarcity of traditional cooking fuel, fuel wood and charcoal; dairy farming as the main source of income; access to credit; use of organic fertiliser), social (e.g. role of women in domestic decision-making, livestock keeping and participation in training programmes), and institutional level (e.g. political will of the Government to support the programme; existence of farmers associations; accessibility of farmers through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). From all factors mentioned, it has been suggested that access to credit for farmers is the only condition that was not present at all in the country, for which a finance mechanism providing credit under
reasonable conditions needed to be immediately established.

The report presents a comprehensive analysis of all factors needed to establish and implement the programme, as well as thorough recommendations as to how to improve the weak areas (e.g. technology, commercialization, integrated farming are only some of the areas for which references are provided).

Financing biogas installations in Rwanda

This short report presents a case study on financing clean energy in Rwanda. The Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and the ministry of Rwanda have set up a National Domestic Biogas Programme (NDBP) with clear objectives of developing a commercially viable and market oriented Rwandan biogas sector; building 15,000 family sized, quality biogas plants by the end of 2011 (first phase of 4 years). SNV has developed expertise in supporting setting up biogas sectors in various countries. The integrated advisory services given by SNV to NDBP include close support to the programme for its set up and developing various tools needed for strengthening the programme activities. Among others, financial systems’ support plays a vital role in the development of the programme and grants to small farmers an easy access to sufficient initial capital they need to acquire a biogas system. This report presents amongst others an overview of financing of domestic biogas plants in Rwanda, development of a loan product, cash flow estimation per household, a summary of the role of SNV in developing Rwandan (microfinance) biogas product, steps forward, and lessons learnt.

This country paper on Rwanda presents the manner in which financial aspects to help farmers get access to biogas technology were taken in consideration by developing a microfinance loan product. The study describes an investment subsidy, a carbon rebate, and a bank loan as the main mechanisms used to finance the biogas plants, where Banque Populaire du Rwanda was the main financial institution.

A comprehensive SWOT analysis of the current financial instruments is presented in this study (interviews, observations, and a desk study were conducted). It revealed that some of the main benefits were the motivation farmers got to invest in biogas (investment subsidy), ensured payment to the programme (carbon rebate), and low interest rates (bank loan). Among others, the main investment subsidy weakness was its fixed amount. Some of the drawbacks of the bank loan were the repayment risk associated, and for the carbon rebate that it was not easily understood. The opportunities associated with the both the subsidy and the bank loan included the ability to adjust the terms according to individual needs, and with the carbon rebates-investment from big companies. Threats existed as well: the real possibility for the subsidy to be lowered after the first phase, the methodology used for the carbon rebate was becoming obsolete, and for bank loans - that they relied on subsidised sources of finance in Rwanda.

Based on the SWOT analysis, thorough recommendations as to the next step in the biogas programme in Rwanda are presented.

This report presents the findings, conclusions and recommendations of a mission designed to investigate the National Domestic Biogas Programme (NDBP) prospects in Rwanda. The key actors in the discussion were the Directorate General for International Cooperation (DGIS) of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV/Rwanda), and the Royal Netherlands Embassy (RNE/Kigali).

In terms of the feasibility of NDBP, it was concluded that Rwanda is in great need of alternative technologies for cooking as the current consumption of wood is unsustainable. It was, therefore, determined that programmes for improved cook stoves and biogas plants were a viable combination. On a
similar note, it was recommended for MINIFRA and the proposed Rwanda National Energy Agency (ANER) to organize a workshop for assessing how programmes for cook stoves and biogas plants can benefit from each other. Further, the involvement of financial institutes offering attractive biogas credits would be crucial for the success of the programme. For the national prioritisation of the energy sector it was determined that developing such a sector has a vital role in reducing poverty and increasing economic development. Contractual agreement findings named ANER as a key player at national level, where GTZ would provide financial and technical assistance, SNV-capacity building services to NDBP through ANER, and MININFRA-funds and other required (policy) support. To avoid the gap between the demo phase and the rest of the programme, GTZ should enter into a temporary agreement with MININFRA for implementing NDPB.

This short document presents a case study about linking biogas technology to the market approach with the development of a well driven public private partnership. SNV’s main client is the National Domestic Biogas Programme, whose objective is to develop a commercial deployment of biogas technology. SNV has been designing, developing and supporting the programme since its introduction to Rwanda. The biogas business requires the development of a market with a well-coordinated private public business at levels. This case study highlights how public private partnership using a market approach is leading to sustainable economic development and improved business climate.

The results show that the private and public partnership has brought:
• A solid foundation to the realisation and setting of the programme;
• It influenced positively district performance contracts;
• The development of a sustainable market;
• It has reduced the direct implication of the programme as a public institution in the development of the market;
• A long-term demand for the product has been created and the operational structure is fixed;
• The report ends with an extensive lessons learned section and challenges and opportunities section.

Rwanda National Domestic Biogas Programme: mid term review (2009) 25 pages. - soon available -

The success or failure of any biodigester depends mainly upon the suitability of the design, site for construction and quality of construction works (including quality of construction materials and workmanship involved during construction). This booklet highlights the methods for selecting appropriate size and sites for construction, as well as steps of construction works related to the Modified GGC Model of Biogas Plant -2007, for Rwanda. This manual is prepared to assist the masons to successfully carry out their anticipated roles in constructing quality biodigesters.

Further, the report elaborates on masons’ responsibilities. The components of a biogas plant and the installation steps of biogas plants follow, including the selection of the correct size and construction site, the collection of construction materials and appliances, and the proper construction of the plant. The finishing work and users’ instructions are then described, followed by a thorough conclusion.

This study deals with the scope of the National Domestic Biogas Programme (NDBP) in Rwanda, and more specifically serves as a reliable database on energy needs of rural integrated farming households. A survey was used to thoroughly assess individual households’ situation regarding energy, sanitation, health, environmental protection and agriculture, and income generation.

96.5% of surveyed households practiced subsistence or small scale market agriculture, and 99% of those used firewood for cooking fuel. However, 89% would use energy generated from animal and toilet waste for cooking and lighting, and bio-slurry as a fertiliser. Based on the survey results specific challenges and issues needing further attention were identified. NDBP activities included the introduction of biogas lamps in the programme and promotional campaigns at district level involving local authorities.

As for the selection criteria for potential implementation areas, it is important that the cattle keeping system is not the only indicator for the local biogas market potential, as even under zero grazing conditions the available biomass could be insufficient for a satisfying biogas production. For subsidies and micro-finance scheme, the efficient use of animal urine as mixing agent was said to play a key role to save water, together with rainwater harvesting. Further, a key priority for NDBP was to closely monitor the carbon credit market as it constantly develops and brings new opportunities. The rationale behind recommendations as well as detailed survey findings and future steps required can be found in the report.

Implementation plan national programme on domestic biogas
in Rwanda (2006).

This study outlines the implementation plan prepared for the National Domestic Biogas Programme (NDBP) in Rwanda. The study has concluded that NDBP required efforts in various fields to achieve a sustainable domestic biogas sector.

Promotional and marketing activities were to be undertaken by building contractors and mason teams. For construction, maintenance and repair, registered commercial construction companies were chosen as the most appropriate actors. The financing plan for biodigesters included an investment subsidy ($300) and farmers’ contribution, where the objective of the subsidy was to attract potential farmers and in the same
time avoid excessive Financial Internal Rates of Return (FIRRs). Farmers’ contribution was decided to come from either bank loans or own financial reserves. Further, applied research and development would focus on the development and testing of plants and appliances modifications to reduce costs and improve reliability. Training of all involved parties was also deemed essential as the biogas technology is a new
concept in Rwanda.

The estimated benefits from implementing NDBP included significant workload reduction, considerable annual savings of fuel wood and charcoal, reductions of CO2 emissions, annual savings on plant nutrients (NPK) because of bio-slurry, and others that are analyzed in detail in the report. Risks and potential challenges have also been identified, as well as ways to resolve them. Among these is the lack of firm data in constructing reliable predictions on effective demand, high material and transportation costs, insufficient information available on companies that fulfil the conditions to participate in biodigester construction trainings.

The need for domestic energy and fertilisers in the present rural household situation is identified as the main prospect to further the dissemination of biogas in Rwanda:

• An ever increasing population results in a growing demand for firewood and the consequent depletion of forest resources makes access to fuel wood depletion of forest resources and the growing demand will make access to fuel wood increasingly difficult;
• A high percentage of rural households are small farmers who are using the dung produced by their animals for fertilising their soil;
• The technical conditions in Rwanda, like soil texture and temperature, are very well suited for anaerobic digestion, however, in some regions the availability of water can be a constraint;
• Fixed dome biogas technology is well introduced in Rwanda and reasonably documented. With some minor modifications and adjustments, this technology can be used for widespread dissemination;
• Among the visited organisations in Rwanda who have biogas related activities, there is willingness to establish a national programme along the same lines as the Nepal programme;
• In the rural areas the presence of entrepreneurs is limited. However, there are many organisations active such as, dairy cooperatives and other farmers associations. Furthermore, there are numerous permanent rural development organisations like church based institutions. Such organisations can play a crucial role in the introduction of the technology.

The SNV Domestic Biogas Newsletter provides interesting short articles on SNV-supported countries worldwide. The seventh issue (September 2012) presents:

• Production rate of biogas plants increased
• International workshop on domestic biogas in Asia
• SNV and FAO release Myanmar biogas feasibility study
• Rwanda: charging your phone with cow dung
• ISO certificate for Bangladesh biogas
• Renewed online Renewable Energy library launched
• Knowledge networking of domestic biogas in Asia
• Pakistan Domestic Biogas Programme newsletter released
• The Arusha Tale
• Biogas Programme for the Animal Husbandry Sector in Vietnam
• Biodigester Programme wins first Energy for Life Award
• Innovative microcredits for Cambodian biogas users

The National Domestic Biogas Programme (NDBP) was jointly developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and SNV and is housed in the Ministry. The Programme’s objective is to develop a commercially viable domestic biogas sector with the dual objectives of contributing to the wellbeing of rural families while reducing pressure on natural resources. The NDBP has a target of 3,000 rural households (20,000 people) using biogas by 2011.

About 170,000 young people start their working life each year without sufficient qualifications and therefore have only a limited chance to integrate successfully into the economic cycle . It is with this in mind that the Domestic Biogas Program of Rwanda, supported by SNV, has invested heavily in employment creation and support for small businesses.

This case study looks at how vocational skills development has been institutionalised in the Rwandan biogas sector using a multi-stakeholder approach, and how this is contributing toward establishing a commercially viable biogas sector. The case underlines how a partnership approach can achieve significant results with relatively limited input from SNV.

They key outcomes are very positive amongst others stating that there is better and more accessible training facilities and services through the decentralised structure provided by IPRCs and there is increased employability and entrepreneurship, the two objectives of the Rwanda VOSD strategy , in all 30 districts through the establishment and additional skills development of 71 biogas companies.

Building of a quality biodigester not only requires good knowledge and skills on the part of the constructor and the mason, but also effective supervision of installation and post-installation activities on behalf of a supervisor. To safeguard the quality, it is important that effective quality control mechanisms are formulated and properly enforced.

In the process of building the capacity of local artisans (especially the masons and supervisors) by teaching them detail technical knowledge and skills on the construction methods and supervisions of the household Biogas Plant, a Training of Trainers (TOT) emerged as a needed component. The participants of this TOT are expected to organise and conduct technical training programs to masons and supervisors in the future.

The overall objective of the TOT is to build capacity within KIST/CITT and ETO Gitarama to conduct quality training courses on construction and supervision of modified GGC model biogas plants and within selected private construction companies to construct and supervise modified GGC model biogas plants in Rwanda, according to the quality standards of the NDBP.

This manual envisages helping the participants in imparting effective technical training programmes and preparing the participants as multi-skilled persons to construct/supervise the construction of biodigester as well as to promote the technology at the grass-roots level.