Many Kenyans previously complained about the abundance of water hyacinth that invaded Lake Victoria, until the discovery of making ornamental furniture and baskets came about. Now, a new use has cropped up for the plant.
Biogas Africa’s Dominic Wanjihia helped created the anaerobic digester that breaks down water hyacinth on a large scale. By inoculating the digester’s contents with a bacteria obtained from animal intestines, the portable unit is able to process green, lush plant matter to produce biogas, as well as liquid fertilizer for use in urban agriculture. “The digester can continuously generate biogas for a period of up to four months through anaerobic digestion,” Wanjihia told Reuters. “The contents are then emptied, and can produce up to four tons of fertilizer.”
“My passion to design user-friendly and green gadgets was inspired by my experience with poor Kenyans who struggle everyday trying to meet their energy needs,” explains Wanjihia. “Most of the devices I develop are meant to meet the needs of rural communities in the areas of energy, water, and agriculture.”
The biogas digester costs around $525 per unit and services an average of 45 people with a 10-kg load of animal waste. The Kenya Industrial Property Institute has patented the design to be used throughout the nation and the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) has indicated it is keen to support creative initiatives like Wanjihia’s through its Young Innovators Club.
Similarly in 2009, Egypt announced that it would invest $4.5 million to harvest hyacinth in Uganda while providing training for the Ugandan professionals in water resource management and irrigation. It would be interesting to see Kenya and Uganda working together to turn what was previously a problematic weed into a cash cow crop.
Alternative Energy Africa is trying to reduce its own carbon footprint in 2011. Ask about our electronic subscriptions and online marketing campaigns specially tailored for individual companies.