Josephat Mwanzi | October 10, 2024
News Brief
In Halla village, Tanzania, 67-year-old farmer Paulo Joseph Qwendo has adopted innovative agricultural practices to respond to changing weather patterns in the semi-arid climate. He is turning waste into fertility and energy to boost his production. He grows bananas, maize, and beans on his 10-acre farm, using cow dung and urine to create nutrient-rich compost. The waste is fixed with crop residues and allowed to decompose, to create a rich organic compost. He has also installed a biogas system that provides clean energy for cooking while reducing emissions, thanks to financial support from an NGO.
In the heart of Halla village, located in the Manyara region of northern Tanzania, Paulo Joseph Qwendo, a 67-year-old farmer, has embraced innovative agricultural practices to ensure the survival and prosperity of his family. Manyara has a semi-arid climate and has been experiencing significant changes in weather patterns, making traditional farming increasingly challenging.
Mr. Qwendo’s farm spans approximately 10 acres, where he grows a variety of crops, including bananas, maize, and beans. He is using waste products – like cow dung and urine – to increase both his soil fertility and access to clean energy.
His journey into transforming waste products began in 2006 when he participated in a training program organized by FIDE, or Foundation for Integrated Development and Education. This training opened his eyes to the potential of using cow dung and urine, which he had previously considered waste, as valuable resources.
Mr. Qwendo says, “My journey began with seemingly modest natural elements: improved local banana seeds, cow dung, and urine.” He uses cow dung and urine to create nutrient-rich compost that enhances soil fertility. He explains, “The composting process involves mixing the manure with crop residues and allowing it to decompose over time, resulting in a rich, organic fertilizer that boosts crop yields.”
In addition to improving soil health, Mr. Qwendo has implemented a biogas system on his farm. This system captures methane gas produced from the decomposition of cow dung and urine, which he uses as a clean energy source for cooking. He says, “By capturing methane gas that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere, my biogas system curbs emissions. It is a win for the environment and my community.”
Mr. Qwendo acquired his biogas system with a grant of 1,800,000 shillings ($720 US) from FIDE. The organization also offered technical assistance and training, ensuring he could effectively manage and maintain his biogas system. Mr. Qwendo says, “When I received the grant, it felt like a lifeline. I knew this was my chance to transform my farm and my family’s future.”
Mr. Qwendo’s wife, Brigita William, has also seen the benefits of these practices. Previously, she had to travel long distances to collect firewood, a task that was both risky and labour-intensive. Now, with the biogas system in place, she has a reliable and safe source of cooking fuel.
The biogas has additional benefits, as the recycled manure solids, which are a by-product, can be used as bedding for cattle and the residue can be used as a fertilizer.
Thomas Joseph is an extension officer from MVIWAMA, the Network of Farmers and Pastoralists in the Manyara region, and he often works alongside Mr. Qwendo and his wife to help them grow their agribusiness. He explains that animal manure adds essential nutrients to the soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for plant growth.
Mr. Joseph explains that the biogas process begins with an airtight digester where manure decomposes without oxygen. This decomposition typically takes 30 to 60 days. Farmers need several pieces of equipment, including a biogas digester, inlet and outlet pipes, a gas storage tank, mixing devices, and gas utilization equipment such as biogas stoves or generators.
While some farmers have decided to adopt similar practices, others are hesitant due to the initial costs and lack of knowledge about biogas systems. Mr. Qwendo believes that with proper training and support, more farmers will see the benefits and make the transition to sustainable farming.
This resource is undertaken with the financial support of the Biovision Foundation.