BIO-DIGESTERS are emerging as a transformative solution to Zimbabwe’s energy crisis, particularly in rural communities in the face of rampant deforestation and climate change.
A biogas project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, is facilitating low-carbon investments by converting agricultural waste to biogas.
This initiative is empowering communities like Hakwata, where approximately 90 families are now harnessing clean energy from animal waste.
For residents, the adoption of bio-digesters has been a game-changer, mitigating deforestation, health challenges and the issue of gendered labour division.
“The bio-digesters have drastically reduced deforestation here in Hakwata,” said Petty Simango (42), a project beneficiary.
“We used to recklessly cut down trees for firewood.
“Now, we use gas stoves, which has made life much easier.”
Another beneficiary, Enia Chikweshe (48), described the project as instrumental in securing a livelihood after her husband’s death.
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“Before this project, I was poverty-stricken and struggled to juggle field work with housework,” she said.
“We now cook efficiently and the biogas even helps to warm the house during cold days.”
The Hakwata initiative is part of a broader national effort.
UNDP has partnered the Zimbabwean government on several biogas projects, including a large-scale plan to install at least 150 digesters in Chipinge, Masvingo and Insiza districts.
These projects aim to address interconnected energy and environmental challenges by converting organic waste to biogas for cooking and lighting, while also producing organic fertiliser as a by-product.
One innovative project in Chipinge is designed to use waste from a local marketplace to power a new “green market”, demonstrating the model’s potential for scalability and commercial use.
