Livestock — Dairy and livestock production begins the resource cycle.
From manure to energy
Anaerobic digestion converts livestock manure into renewable biogas. Instead of releasing methane from unmanaged manure, the system captures its energy value. Depending on scale and technical configuration, cleaned biogas can support cooking, heating, electricity generation, industrial energy use, or transport applications.
From digestate to agricultural production
Biogas production generates digestate containing plant nutrients and organic matter. With proper treatment and management, this material can be used as organic fertilizer. The project links digestate recycling with forage production, returning nutrients to the agricultural system.
A model for circular agriculture
The concept can be adapted for dairy clusters, livestock production areas, municipalities, cooperatives, commercial farms, and agro-industrial systems across Africa. Potential benefits include reduced methane emissions, renewable energy, nutrient recycling, improved manure management, and new business and carbon finance opportunities.