Using Water Hyacinth Blend for Biogas and Fertilizer Production

Technical Viability Study on the Use of a Water Hyacinth Blend for Biogas and Fertilizer Production in Ethiopia

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Last edit made by Helen Mengs on 2024-05-07. This is a wiki, do not hesitate to update information by clicking on "Edit with form".

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Key Data

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Organisation

Arsi University

Duration

June 2022 - December 2022

Project Description

A technical viability study is conducted to determine in what capacity water hyacinths pose a threat to the local population and to present possible solutions for the identified problems. This study also assesses to what extent water hyacinth can be harvested and used in the localized production of biogas and fertilizer. The study features an initial pilot survey, in which 5% of the total sampled households are interviewed to get feedback on the developed research question.Through this pilot the survey design is tested to determine whether the questions are clear and relevant to the participants. In the final data collection a representative sample of biogas value chain actors is interviewed using a standard survey questionnaire. Additionally, focus group discussions are held with biogas value chain enablers and supporters to identify the key opportunities and bottlenecks along the biogas value chain. The final results of this study are then presented to key stakeholders to discuss next steps.

The idea of using water hyacinth plants to produce biogas and fertilizer (which is a by-product) presents the unique opportunity to develop an integrated solution to a local problem. While the water hyacinth plant threatens the natural habitat around the lakes in the Arsi zone and thus also endangers the local population, there also exists the potential to transform this problem into a new avenue for income generation. This solution not only aims to solve the problem at hand, but also larger socio-economic issues. The produced fertilizer helps livestock and vegetable production and reduces the impact of climate change on local farmers.

GBE Component

Small Projects Fund

Categories

• Energy Access

Factsheet

Location

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Country SPF

Ethiopia

Geographic coordinates of project site

7° 40' 19.78" N, 40° 1' 47.89" E

Latitude            Longitude

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• Technical Viability Study on the Use of a Water Hyacinth Blend for Biogas and Fertilizer Production in Ethiopia

• Energy Access