Renewable energy to reduce the impact on deforestation

A biogas system that uses Pig waste. April 27, 2023 [Murithi Mugo, Standard]

The chief officer of livestock development in Embu County Hellen Munene observed that the biogas system would help farmers cut costs on cooking and at the same time conserve forests.

She noted that the county government will support farmers to Improve their breeds through capacity-building initiatives and training.

Victoria Wanja who works with the farmers noted that the monthly payments were equivalent to their spending before installing the system adding that it is efficient in the Kitchen.

70-year-old Grace Munyi from Kathangari village in Embu and who retired from nursing in 2007 noted that life has become easier since installing the system that uses pig waste in September 2022.

"I am free from smoke and the hustle to look for charcoal and firewood, while the time taken to cook has been shortened," Ms Munyi said.

Grace Munyi using gas to cook at her home in Kathangari village in Embu. April 27, 2023 [Murithi Mugo, Standard]

A farmer George Kivuti from Kirigi Ngandori village observed that he had benefitted from the biogas system he installed eight years ago where his family of eight has two kitchens both supplied by the single system.

"You wouldn't believe it if you look at the coffee in my farm which is doing extremely well due to the rich nutrients, a byproduct from the system.