MZUZU UNIVERSITY

PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIGHT AGAINST

CLIMATE CHANGE (CHOMA/CHIGWERE BIOGAS PROJECT) FOR THE
PERIOD OCTOBER 2008 JANUARY 2009

SUBMITTED TO

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION

LILONGWE, MALAWI

BY

THE TEST AND TRAINING CENTRE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

TECHNOLOGIES (TCRET)

JANUARY 2009

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIGHT AGAINST

CHOMA/CHIGWERE BIOGAS PROJECT

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 using biogas instead of charcoal and firewood for
cooking. 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 of its methane component and may be used directly as a heat fuel or in internal
combustion engines.
If biogas is 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 by promoting the use of biogas for cooking. It will reduce
emissions by reducing the consumption of firewood and charcoal hence reduces the rate
of deforestation. Biogas technologies also reduce CH4 emissions from natural
decomposing manure. If more biogas than what is required is produced it will then be
sold in the city instead of firewood and charcoal.
Biogas technology is therefore an important component in the fight against climate
change.

2.0 ABSTRACT
This is a second progress report on implementation of the Fight against Climate ChangeChoma/ Chigwere Biogas Project. It covers the activities, which have been undertaken in
implementing the project from October 2008 to January 2009. These activities include but not
limited to: completion of the first digester plant, Official Launch of the project by the British High
Commissioner, consultative meetings with traditional leaders, Dairy Cooperative leaders and
dairy farmers and site selection for the construction of the next four biogas digesters.

3.0

PROGRESS REPORT

3.1 Completion of the First (Demonstration) Plant

The first digester has since been completed and is operational as from 2 nd October
2008. Gas has been connected to two kitchens and one additional kitchen will be
connected as soon as it is determined that enough gas is being produced. User
training and monitoring of the performance of this plant are being carried out regularly
before the plant is finally handed over to the community.
3.2 Project Launch
The British High Commissioner to Malawi His Excellency Richard Wildash officially
launched the project on The 2nd October 2008. The official launch took place at
Luguwa Mhlanga Village (where the first biogas plant is built) and at Mzuzu University.
The High Commissioner (accompanied by the Vice Chancellor of Mzuzu University
Professor Landson Mhango) commissioned the biogas plant. Later on the guests
went to Mzuzu University where launching speeches were made. Traditional leaders,
government officials, religious leaders, members of the Mzuzu University community
and members of the public attended the function amongst others.
3.3 Meeting between British High Commission and TCRET
A meeting was held on the 5th December 2008 at the British High Commission offices
between TCRET and the donor. Messers Maxon Chitawo, Fredrick Munthali and
Collen Zalengera represented TCRET; and Mr Enock Fulutuna represented British
High Commission. Highlights of this meeting included the following:
Project vehicle should not be purchased as the donor felt that it was not good
value for money considering the size of the project. The donor emphasised the
need to direct more resources to the beneficiary communities. TCRET was
therefore asked to resubmit a budget profile for the period December March
2009 and a work plan for the 2009/ 2010 financial year. (Both the budget profile
and work plan have since been submitted) (See Appendix 4 & 5).

 The donor informed TCRET that the project was not funded for the 2008/2009
financial year because the donor was of the view that TCRET had still a lot of
money not utilised from the initial funding. However the next funding was going to
be considered in the 2009/ 2010 financial year based on the utilisation of the
current funding.
The donor informed TCRET that financial statements should be based on the

accrual accounting system and not on the cash basis accounting system as this
does not reflect all the expenditures made during a particular period of time. The
donor also emphasised the need to have financial statement to be prepared on
time i.e. quarterly.
3.4 Identification of potential Sites for the Construction of Next Four Biogas

Plants
TCRET staff held several consultative meetings with traditional leaders, Dairy
Farming

Associations

committee

members,

dairy

farmers

and

prospective

beneficiaries of the project from within Choma and Doroba Area. These are some of
the ongoing meetings being carried out during the implementation of this project. The
main objective of these particular meetings was to identify sites for the construction of
the next four biogas plants. Consultations were carried out to ensure that the
communities are involved in the decision making process of site identification so that
they own the project and to build trust between them and the project implementers
(TCRET).
During the consultation process the communities identified potential beneficiaries
after TCRET staff briefed them with regards to the requirements of a potential site for
a biogas plant. During these consultations a total of eleven potential beneficiary
communities were identified (See Appendix 1 & 2).

3.5 Assessment of Potential Sites

TCRET members of staff accompanied by members of the biogas committee visited
and inspected the eleven communities in order to assess them on the compliance of
the requirements for biogas plant installation. This was done in January, 2009. During
the inspection visits TCRET staff collected information on animal situation, water
availability, resources availability (bricks, sand and labour), community willingness to
participate in the project and the number of potential beneficiary households. This
information was later analysed by members of TCRET staff in order to assess the
suitability of these communities for Biogas Plant installation.
The eleven communities were assessed on their suitability. The main criteria used
were number of animals (cattle and pigs), community willingness to participate in the
project, availability of resources (labour, bricks and sand), potential beneficiaries and
water availability (with the first two parameters being considered as the most
important). Detailed assessment results are shown in Appendix 6.
Five communities complied with the requirement for biogas plant installation namely
(by name of community leader) Mabvuto Chimaliro, James Chimaliro, T.O. Nyirongo,
Dupe Mhlanga and Saulos Luhana. The first four communities were selected for
biogas plants construction. Saulos Luhana will be included in the next phase because
of logistical arrangement. This community is located very far from the other
communities therefore it would be time consuming for the movement of materials and
personnel.
Preparation for construction work has since started on three of the sites.
3.6 Formation of a Biogas Committee
During this period the communities elected a biogas committee. The committee has
ten members comprising of traditional leaders, dairy farmers and ordinary members of

the community amongst others. The main functions of this committee are to act as a
link between the communities and TCRET, to identify any problems and opportunities
during the implementation process, to check and supervise the progress of
construction works and publicising the project. This committee will be having regular
meetings with TCRET staff to ensure closer collaboration between TCRET staff and
the communities.
3.7 Biogas User Training Course
TCRET staff conducted a biogas user training on the 28th January 2009 at Luguwa
Mhlanga Village - where one biogas has been constructed. The participants included
but not limited to current beneficiaries, potential beneficiaries, members from within
this community and members of the biogas committee. The training was conducted in
Tumbuka and Chichewa. The material covered included basic theory of biogas,
requirements for biogas production, uses of biogas and its by-product, importance of
biogas production in the fight against climate and enhanced food production, biogas
plant operation and safety. Participants were also conducted around the biogas plant
and the kitchen units where demonstrations were carried out to emphasis on various
points.

4.0

FUTURE WORK

Main activities planned for the period February to March 2009 are as follows:
Improvement of animal housing will have to be carried out on two animal houses for
the first plant to ensure that the dung is not mixed with debris. In addition a water
system is being considered for this as it has been noticed that this community
experiences water problems during the dry season.
Baseline survey of the communities.
Concurrent construction of four biogas plants in the communities to be identified.
Mr Collen Zalengera will attend a Biogas Programme Development course at
ESAMI in Arusha, Tanzania.

5.0

CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT

During the consultation meetings it was still apparent that the communities are having
problems in providing sand as their contribution towards the project. This is mainly due to
the fact that good quality sand is required in large quantities and is not readily available
within their localities. Transport costs are high; therefore the project will continue to help
in sourcing the sand wherever it is appropriate. It has also been noted that most
communities who had bricks have sold them inorder get money to meet their other needs
such as fertiliser and food requirements, therefore the project might assist on a case by
case basis in order not to delay the implementation of the project.
It is also likely that there is going to be some disturbances during construction because
of rainfall. However, it is hoped that the rains are not going to be continuous

6.0

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Currently there are no major changes to the planned schedule of activities; however any
changes are anticipated during the construction period. If any changes are made then
the schedule will be amended accordingly and communicated accordingly. Therefore the
revised schedule that was submitted with the first progress report is still valid (See
Appendix 3).

7.0

CONCLUSION

Construction work of the next four plants will therefore commence as soon as the sites
have been identified. TCRET will continue holding consultation meetings with members
of the communities at every stage of the project to instil ownership of the project and
implement the project together.

8.0

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Consultation Process Photos

Doroba Milk Bulking Centre (Venue of consultations)

A cross section of participants during the consultation process

Members of staff of TCRET making presentations

A group photo after the consultation process

Appendix 2: List of Potential Beneficiary Communities

AREA

VILLAGE

NAME OF COMMUNITY LEADER

Choma

Viweme Chimaliro

Mabvuto Chimaliro

Choma

C.K. Munthali

C.K. Munthali

Choma

Chapelera Luhana

Saulos Luhana

Doroba

Hannock Mhlanga

Dupe Mhlanga

Doroba

Mselema

Wayiona Mhoni

Choma

Kalani Chawinga

Right Chawinga

Choma

Mpata Chimaliro

James Chimaliro

Doroba

Kachikumba

T.O. Nyirongo

Choma

Chayankhu Chimaliro

W.A. Kaunda

10

Choma

Chayankhu Chimaliro

A.G. Chimaliro

11

Doroba

Chinyuwa Nkhata

W.R. Nkhata

10

11

Appendix 3: Revised Schedule of Project Activities

Project Activity

Year 1

Promotion and Sensitization

Meetings with Farmers and Traditional Leaders for Sensitization
Data Collection (Cattle heads/farmer)
GIS Mapping (Locating Potential Installation Sites)
Biogas System Design and Sizing
Construction of a Demonstration Biogas Plant
Official Launch
Capacity Building
Staff Training in Biogas Technologies at ESAMI
Training of Local Builders in Biogas System Sizing, Construction and Maintenance
User (Beneficiaries) Training on Biogas Digester Operation, and Safety Measures
Construction
Biogas Digesters Sizing (11 Digesters)
Procurement of Construction Materials
Construction/Installation of 11 Biogas Digesters
Testing and Monitoring (on performance)
Commissioning
Monitoring & Evaluation
Project Monitoring
Project Evaluation

12

Year 2

Year 3

Appendix 4: Budget Profile for the period December 2008 to March 2009
3. Activity Based Budget and Profile (45) for December 2008 to March 2009

Expenditure Category

Apr May Jun July Aug Sep-08 Oct-08 Nov-08

1.0 Official Launch of Project

1.1 Advertisement (Print & Electronic Media)
1.2 Launching ceremony

0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00

2.0 Travel (Fuel) - Meetings & Supervision

0.00

0.00

0.00

Dec-08

0.00
0.00

Jan-09

0.00
0.00

Feb-09

0.00
0.00

Total
Mar-09Cost(Mk)

0.00
0.00

40,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00

0.00
0.00
130,000.00

3.0 Accommodation & Subsistence

0.00

0.00

0.00 60,000.00 120,000.00 130,000.00 90,000.00

400,000.00

4.0 Project Equipment

4.1 Laptop
4.2 Colour Printer

0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00

150,000.00
50,000.00

0.00
0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00
0.00

0.00 50,000.00 250,000.00 250,000.00

0.00
0.00 60,000.00 60,000.00
0.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 20,000.00
30,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00
0.00
0.00 100,000.00 100,000.00
0.00
0.00 75,000.00 75,000.00
0.00 30,000.00 80,000.00 80,000.00

200,000.00
30,000.00
0.00
100,000.00
70,000.00
75,000.00
80,000.00

750,000.00
150,000.00
120,000.00
330,000.00
270,000.00
225,000.00
270,000.00

550,000.00

550,000.00
80,000.00
40,000.00

5.0 Construction of 4 Biogas Digesters

5.1 Purchase of Construction materials
5.1.1 Cement
5.1.2 Quarry stone
5.1.3 Dambo and River Sand
5.1.4 Plumbing
5.1.5 Accessories
5.2 Sub-Contractor
5.3 Fuel
6.0 Training of Trainers
6.1 Biogas Programme Development
6.2 GIS Training
6.3 Local builders & user training

0.00 150,000.00
0.00 50,000.00

80,000.00
0.00 40,000.00

13

7.0 Solar/ Wind Water Pumping System

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

650,000.00

650,000.00

8.0 Research equipment (Including Biogas

Plant at Mzuzu University)

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00 150,000.00 250,000.00

400,000.00

9.0 Stationery

0.00

0.00

60,000.00

10.0 Awareness

0.00

0.00

0.00
0.00 15,000.00 25,000.00 20,000.00
0.00
0.00 10,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00

11.0 Baseline Survey

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00 15,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00

35,000.00

12.0 Environmental Impact Assessment

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

15,000.00

13.0 Communication

0.00

0.00

0.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00

48,000.00

TOTAL

0.00 15,000.00

100,000.00

4,823,000.00

Appendix 5: Work Plan for the period 2009/ 2010

3. Activity Based Budget and Profile (45) for April 2009 to March 2010

14

Expenditure Category

Apr-09

May-09

Jun-09

Jul-09

Aug-09

Sep-09

Oct-09

Nov-09

Dec-09

Jan-10

Feb-10

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

2.0 Travel (Fuel) - Meetings & Supervision

15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 42,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

42,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

42,000.00

261,000.00

3.0 Accommodation & Subsistence

20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 35,000.00

30,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

25,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

20,000.00

245,000.00

1.0 Official Launch of Project

1.1 Advertisement (Print & Electronic Media)
1.2 Launching ceremony

4.0 Project Equipment

4.1 Laptop
4.2 Colour Printer
5.0 Construction of 4 Biogas Digesters
5.1 Purchase of Construction materials
5.1.1 Cement
5.1.2 Quarry stone
5.1.3 Dambo and River Sand
5.1.4 Plumbing
5.1.5 Accessories
5.2 Sub-Contractor
5.3 Fuel
6.0 Training
6.1 Training of trainers (Biogas technology)
6.2 User training

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

275,000.00 275,000.00 275,000.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

825,000.00

65,000.00 65,000.00 65,000.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

195,000.00

50,000.00 50,000.00 50,000.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

150,000.00

40,000.00 90,000.00 90,000.00 90,000.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

310,000.00

25,000.00 70,000.00 70,000.00 90,000.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

255,000.00

50,000.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 50,000.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

200,000.00

60,000.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 60,000.00

20,000.00

20,000.00

20,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

325,000.00

0.00

850,000.00

850,000.00
10,000.00

7.0 Solar Water Pumping System

0.00

9.0 Research equipment

0.00 100,000.00 100,000.00

10.0 Stationery

Mar-10Total Cost
(Mk)

5,000.00

0.00

5,000.00

0.00

0.00

5,000.00 5,000.00

0.00
600,000.00 600,000.00 600,000.00

10,000.00
0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

1,800,000.00
0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

200,000.00
0.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

5,000.00

60,000.00
0.00

15

11.0 Awareness

15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

15,000.00

180,000.00
0.00

12.0 Baseline Survey

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00
0.00

13.0 Environmental Impact Assessment

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00
0.00

12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00

12,000.00

12,000.00

12,000.00

12,000.00

12,000.00

12,000.00

12,000.00

12,000.00

144,000.00
0.00

13.0 Communication
TOTAL

6,010,000.00

16

Appendix 6: SITE ASSESSMENT

VILLAGE

Viweme
Chimaliro

NAME OF
COMMUNITY
LEADER

Mabvuto
Chimaliro

HOUSEHOLDS (BENEFICIARIES)
NAME
Mabvuto
Chimaliro
Gomegzani
Chimaliro
R. W.
Chimaliro
Makaiko
Chimaliro
Kannock
Chimaliro
C.K.Munthali
Kambani
Munthali

NUMBER OF ANIMALS
Stall
Outdoor
Feeding
Total Feeding

NUMBER OF PEOPLE
Adults

Children

Aged

Total

Big

Small
5

Big

Total

Small

Pigs
Big

Small

Total

AGGREGATED
TOTAL

6.6

0
6

0
0

0
0

0
6

1
4

1
8

8.7

C.K. Munthali
Munthali
Saulos
Luhana
Chapelera
Luhana

Lester
Munthali
Saulos
Luhana
Jane
Chavula
Rabson
Luhana
Righton
Luhana

2
2
3

17

13

2
8

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

Hannock
Mhlanga

Dupe
Mhlanga

Wayiona
Mhoni
Mselema

Kalani
Chawinga

Right
Chawinga

James
Chimaliro
Mpata
Chimaliro

Dyson
Luhana
Penjani
Luhana
Kelinesi
Gondwe
Dupe
Mhlanga
Mwandira
Ngwira
Wayiona
Mhoni
Good Mhoni
Matembo
Mhoni
Right
Chawinga
Benson
Chawinga
Menson
Chawinga
Yesaya
Chawinga
James
Chimaliro
N.W.
Chimaliro
Emelia
Muwisa
Hannock
Mpata
Leo

3
0

0
0

16
0

6.3
0

9
0

0
0

7
0

9.25
0

12

1
3
2

4
3

7
5

3
3

5
3

2
3

12

12

4.5

4
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

8
2

13
4

21
6

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

18

T.O. Nyirongo
Kachikumba

Chayankhu
Chimaliro

Chayankhu
Chimaliro
Chinyuwa
Nkhata

W.A. Kaunda

A.G.
Chimaliro

W.R. Nkhata

Kazembe
C.
Mwamlima
Josephy
Mwanza
T.O.
Nyirongo
Nyaunthali
H.O.
Nyirongo
Jamani
Nyirongo
Mabvuto
Nyirongo
Yohani
Nyirongo
W.A.
Kaunda
Kesbel
Kaunda
Pardon
Kaunda
A.G.
Chimaliro
J.T.
Chimaliro
G.C.
Chimaliro
Joyce
Chisambi
W.R. Nkhata
Thompson
Nkhata
Rackwel
Nkhata
Edgar
Nkhata

13
8

0
0

2
0

8
0

3
5
4

8
4

12

16
0

16

6.75

4.5

3
5

6
5

0
7

0
0

0
0

0
6

3
2

3
3

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

19

11

Harry
Nkhata
Green
Nkhata

2
6

20