RWANDA BIOGAS PROMOTION A proposal for biogas promotion in the Domestic Biogas Programme in Rwanda

2 Rwanda Biogas Promotion Context 2006 pilot year, followed by phase I which runs till the end of 2010; programme and partnership on demand of MININFRA (MoU signed); administrative re-organisation has just taken place in Rwanda; Rwanda only has institutional plants; at present, domestic biogas technology, its benefits and requirements are hardly known to potential users.

3 Rwanda Biogas Promotion What has been done till now? Radio interview on the programme’s intentions during the opening reception of the new SNV offices; television-coverage during the signing of the MININFRA-SNV MoU ( ); visits to the 4 new provinces, reintroducing SNV and its practise areas (including biogas) to the new local government officials.

4 Rwanda Biogas Promotion What has been foreseen The finalised implementation plan will be presented to district representatives ((non)government, private sector, associations) in all 4 provinces (including TV & radio coverage); followed by short and continued Kinyarwanda radio messages that contain information on the functioning of the programme, biogas, its benefits, costs, installers, subsidy and loan provisions;

5 Rwanda Biogas Promotion What has been foreseen (Ctd.) the SNV/Rwanda PR person will work out a strategy to introduce and generate a demand for the technology by using existing players in the programme, s.a. (I)NGOs active in the agricultural sector, line agencies, credit providers and construction companies; construction of pilot plants: the beneficiaries, some of which are lead farmers, have to respond to strict conditions, including being innovative farmers and portraying the willingness to promote the technology;

6 Rwanda Biogas Promotion What has been foreseen (Ctd.) in both pilot districts, our key partners have farmers’ training centers that will be used to inform potential users: –an introduction to biogas, its advantages and disadvantages, to be part of their general farmer’s trainings; –‘Biogas Programme and Technology promotion workshops’ to inform village leaders, local banks & cooperatives and particularly extension workers present in the provinces;

7 Rwanda Biogas Promotion What has been foreseen (Ctd.) –‘pre construction user training’ providing further information on the daily use of the plants and on the financial requirements and provisions to give the final push for adoption to potential users who have shown active interest in biogas; the trained farmers will then spread the message to their neighbours.

8 Rwanda Biogas Promotion Key promotion elements The quality of the product: a well functioning plant is the best possible promotion and a satisfied user the best promoter for biogas; adequate farmer support (after sales service), which consists of repair and maintenance as well as feedback on operation to the user; quality control on construction and delivered services.

9 Rwanda Biogas Promotion Key persuasion elements Money saving; subsidy provision; time saving.