MZUZU UNIVERSITY

PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE

CHANGE (CHOMA/CHIGWERE BIOGAS PROJECT)
FOR THE PERIOD APRIL JUNE 2009

SUBMITTED TO

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION

LILONGWE, MALAWI

BY

THE TEST AND TRAINING CENTRE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

(TCRET)

July 2009

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIGHT

CHOMA/CHIGWERE BIOGAS PROJECT

AGAINST

CLIMATE

CHANGE

1.0 PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the project is to reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions into the
atmosphere through the promotion of use of biogas for cooking instead of charcoal and firewood.
Biogas is a by-product of the decomposition of organic matter by anaerobic bacteria. It consists of
primarily methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and traces of nitrogen, sulphur compounds, volatile
organic compounds and ammonia. It has a heat value arising from its methane component and
may be used directly as a heat or in internal combustion engines.
If biogas were used for cooking instead of firewood and charcoal, a 4m 3 biogas plant would
reduce deforestation by 37 hectares per year. The project will therefore reduce the emissions of
CO2 and CH4 into the atmosphere by promoting the use of biogas for cooking. Subsequently, the
consumption of firewood and charcoal will be reduced and so will be the rate of deforestation.
Biogas technologies also reduce CH 4 emissions from natural decomposing manure. If more biogas
than what is required is produced, it could be bottled and sold in the city instead of firewood and
charcoal. Biogas technology is therefore an important mitigation measure in the fight against
climate change.

2.0 ABSTRACT
This is a fourth progress report on implementation of the Fight against Climate Change-Choma/
Chigwere Biogas Project. It is also the first report for the 2009/ 2010 financial year and covers
activities, which have been undertaken in implementing the project from April to June 2009.
The main activity carried out during this period was the construction four-biogas plants. The
construction work is expected to finish in the next quarter. It was expected that the donor was to
release more money (approximately MK6, 000,000.00): this being the funding of the project for the
current financial year 2009/ 2010. However, up to now funds have not yet been released. This has
therefore adversely affected the work, as some of the planned activities have not been carried out
due to lack of funds.
Most of the technical work is being undertaken and supervised by Mzuzu University staff.

3.0 PROGRESS REPORT

3.1 Improvement of Animal Housing
It has been agreed that the beneficiaries will have to undertake animal housing improvement
themselves, other than the project doing it for them. This will help to promote the sense of
ownership of the project by the beneficiaries.

3.2 Construction of Biogas Plants 2, 3, 4 and 5 (See Appendix 1)

Construction work of the four-biogas plants namely: James Chimaliro (Plant 2), then Mabvuto
Chimaliro (Plant 3), T.O. Nyirongo (Plant 4) and finally Dupe Mhlanga (Plant 5) is in progress.
More than three quarters of the construction work has been done and the remaining works are
expected to be completed in the second quarter.
Digesters for all the four plants have been constructed and painted. Dung storage and outlet tanks
for plants 4 and 5 have been constructed. The remaining works include the construction of dung
storage and outlet tanks for two plants 2 and 3, the construction of mixing tanks for all the plants
and plumbing of gas pipelines to various kitchens.
Construction works was scheduled to be completed in the first quarter, however this was not
possible because of persistent rains. In addition one of the two builders left his employment with
the university towards the end of the month of May 2009. This obviously affected the rate of
construction greatly. So far one additional builder from within the community has been engaged.
This will also help in building local capacity.

3.3 Training
Mr Fredrick Munthali was scheduled to attend a Biogas Technology Course organised by ESAMI
and was to take place in Arusha, Tanzania. The course was however, cancelled therefore an
appropriate course will be identified during the year.
Mr Collen Zalengera will attend a four week Environmental Management Course in July 2009. The
course is organised by ESAMI and will take place in Lilongwe, Malawi. This course was identified
in the place of the one that was cancelled in the first quarter. (Mr Zalengera has since started
attending the course). The University has provided the additional funds for the training; which will
be reimbursed once the project funds have been received.

Members of the technical team (TCRET staff) were supposed to undertake a GIS training course
however, the organiser cancelled the course therefore an alternate provider will be identified in the
next quarter.

3.4 Dung Collection

It was agreed with the beneficiaries that they should start collecting dung in preparation for
feeding of the plants. The project will, however, provide assistance because of the quantity of
dung required for start up (each plant requires three tonnes of dung for start up; which
beneficiaries would not manage on their own).

4.0 CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT

The project faced a number of challenges during this period with the main ones being:

One of the builders leaving employment with the university towards the end of the month of
May 2009. This has adversely affected the rate of construction work.

Community participation in some sites is poor. This has been mainly due to their commitment
to other activities such as farming.

Delays in the disbursement of funds for the year 2009/ 2010. This has resulted into a number
of activities (such as awareness campaigns, procurement of materials etc) not being
implemented. In addition, this will also affect future activities.

5.0 FUTURE WORK

Main activities planned for the period, July to September 2009 (next quarter) are as follows:

Finishing of the construction works of Plants 2 - 5.

Feeding and commissioning of the Plants 2 - 5.

Identification of four sites for the construction of the next plants (Plants 6 9).

Start construction works of the next four plants (Plants 6 9).

6.0 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES AND WORK PLAN

There are likely to be changes to the planned schedule of activities. The appropriate changes will
however be made once the funds for the year 2009/ 2010 financial year have been received. The
activity schedule and the work plan for the year 2009/ 2010 have therefore not been revised (See
Appendix 2 and 3).

7.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

The financial report is attached (See Appendix 4). It is seen that the project has overspent
because of the delays in funding. If funding is further delayed, then we might have to suspend the
project until the funding is made available.

8.0 CONCLUSION
Progress of work in this quarter would have been much slower if it was not for the decision to
construct four plants concurrently.
Construction work of the next four plants will continue. Identification of sites for the construction of
an additional four plants will be carried out. This will be done in consultation with the Biogas
Committee and members of communities.

9.0 APPENDICES
Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 attached.