Impact and effectiveness of Rwanda’s National Domestic Biogas programme

The Rwandan Government’s National Domestic Biogas programme (NDBP), seeks to deliver renewable energy services to households across the country by promoting family-sized anaerobic (biogas) digesters on a large scale. The NDBP policy is implemented at different levels, from government and private contractors to households. We analysed the scheme, focusing on how policy was implemented across two districts, namely Kirehe and Kamonyi, and we interviewed rural households and biogas service providers. The NDBP delivers improved energy service outcomes to a majority of households. Training and education of householders, particularly women, is needed in relation to the maintenance of digesters, feedstock suitability and the environmental as well as the potential livelihood benefits of digestate. There is a need for appropriate implementation strategies, financial support and coordination of biogas programmes. Financial institutions and cooperatives should be involved for policy implementation.