Biogas experts from East and Southern Africa countries, in partnership with the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), Friday concluded a three-day networking meeting.

The SNV organized meeting brought together biogas experts and stake-holders from Rwanda, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Cameroon.

Their discussions on renewable energy issues dwelt much on how biogas as an emerging energy sector can be better harnessed to contribute to the countries’ increasing energy needs.

"Among all options explored in Africa so far, domestic biogas stands out as an emerging sector,” stressed SNV Country Director, Jean de Matha Ouédraogo.

He explained that biogas provides multiple benefits, not only to the eligible households, but also to the society as a whole for employment and environment conservation.

Among other reasons, Ouédraogo also pointed out the huge potential in Africa as more than 18 million families qualify against the technical criteria.

The State Minister in charge of Energy, Engineer Albert Butare, stressed that the meeting was of critical importance because of the present energy crisis.

Focusing on the central theme, biomass and biogas, Butare encouraged participants to analyze why biogas potentials are not fully exploited.

"We should analyze why and probably get better strategies,” he said.

Butare stressed the need and importance of finding ways of bringing in governments or local governments to own and understand such projects.” According to him, the inclusion of local government and private sector is crucial for success.

Rwanda has a National Domestic Biogas Program that coordinates all development efforts in the sector. According to SNV, nearly two billion people in the world do not have access to modern energy services, an inequality that ranks dramatically high in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ouédraogo pointed out that biomass resources are often harvested poorly and energy conversion technologies are inefficient, causing  adverse consequences for health, environment, and economic development.

SNV is a Netherlands-based international development organization that provides advisory services to local organizations in developing countries to support their fight against poverty.

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