Biogas technology in Tanzania was introduced in 1975. But it was not until a partnership between SNV and Tanzania Biogas Task Force in the late 2000’s when a study of the biogas sector and how to improve it was conducted that the sector saw improved progress in domestic biogas uptake. The study was designed to seek ways of improving on the existing technologies. A total of 8000 plants are proposed for construction by 2013. Subsidy per plant is Tsh 650,000 (approximately 290 Euro).

The Tanzania programme has an elaborate and outstanding implementing partner network hence making it possible to reach disparate regions of the country. Nine Implementing Partners are coordinating biogas activities in their respective regions and communities. This model is highly effective and therefore will be replicated in other countries. The National Implementing Agency CAMARTEC is coordinating the partner network.

Several partnerships with various implementing partners and financial institutions have been signed paving the way for achievement of the target goals. Financial partners will avail credit to clients, while implementing partners will be responsible for construction and quality assurance through masons training and quality control appraisals.

User training and awareness has seen an increase in bio-slurry use with over 70% of all plants having a bio-slurry pit, 75% with compost pits. About 7% of the plants are connected to the latrines.

A gender action plan to ensure gender mainstreaming and affirmative action in the programme has been realized. In the South of Tanzania, 16 female masons are actively building biogas plants, which is a great step ahead.

For more information about TDBP  please visit  http://www.biogas-tanzania.org/index.php