Impact of the Utilization of the Biodigester in the Populations of Bambey and Perspectives for Mass Adoption and Valorization

Abstract

This paper is a preliminary report on the impact of the biodigester in the department of Bambey, Senegal. The analysis is based on data gathered as part of a join study between the University Alioune Diop of Bambey and the Union of Farmers’ Associations of the Region of Diourbel. A survey was undertaken during the month of January 2017 among 24 households, half of the families owning a biodigester and half not having one. The analysis of the data has revealed that the biodigester has very high potentials to get families out of poverty. We analyze parameters such as self-sufficiency, ability to invest on and develop additional activities, having savings, and even commercialization of agricultural production and we have found a clear contrast between families that own a biodigester and families that do not. However, despite the opportunities offered by the biodigester, most households find it difficult to own one. The study has also shown that the tasks needed to operate the biodigester are mainly manual and that an automatization of the process presents high potentials. Furthermore, the lack of market information constitutes an obstacle to the commercialization of the agricultural products. With regards to this aspect, the survey has shown that the implementation of an information system that disseminate market and demand information will highly benefit the populations.