Togo explores biogas potential

Organic waste from farms and homes can be turned into biogas and fertilizer, offering a way to meet energy and agricultural needs. Togo is working to expand the use of biogas digesters, which convert this waste into usable fuel and nutrients for crops.

Current biogas digester count in Togo

Togo currently has 140 biogas digesters, with more than two-thirds installed in the last three years. Nearly half are in the Maritime region, and a quarter in the Savanes region, showing a growing but still small presence of the technology.

Togo's future biogas goals

The country aims to install 5,000 biogas digesters by 2030, which would be more than 35 times its current number. This would also represent 10% of the 50,000 installations the AB-AOC plans for the region. However, securing the necessary funding is still a challenge.

Biogas technology explained

Biogas digesters use waste like manure, crop leftovers, and kitchen scraps. Through a process called fermentation, they produce gas that can be used for cooking or generating electricity. The leftover material from this process can be used as fertilizer in farming.

Women's role in Togo's biogas project

In Kpalimé, the EcoFemmes project, funded by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, supports 130 rural women in organic farming and biogas production. It includes training on building biogas digesters and making biofertilizers.

Challenges in expanding biogas use

Despite the potential benefits, the use of biogas digesters in Togo remains limited. To grow the sector, the country needs to secure funding, train technical staff, ensure maintenance of the systems, and promote their adoption among the population.