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An FAO-UNDP report outlines how biogas derived from agri-food waste and organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) can improve waste management, provide a sustainable energy source and support The Gambia’s climate goals.

ROME, Italy – A new report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights the feasibility and potential of biogas technology to effectively address waste management and energy challenges in The Gambia, while also significantly reducing the country’s carbon footprint and supporting its long-term development goals.

Feasibility Assessment for Biogas Potential Development in The Gambia provides comprehensive data on the biogas value chain, detailing the financial, environmental, and technical viability of implementing biogas systems in The Gambia. The study was conducted under the Scaling up Climate Ambition on Land Use and Agriculture (SCALA) Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Facility Programme jointly managed by FAO and UNDP, in response to The Gambia’s request for support for a country-wide biogas resource potential assessment, and a cost-benefit analysis of biogas investments.

The feasibility assessment utilized a four-step approach that included (1) characterization of organic residue sources through primary and secondary data collection; (2) stakeholder mapping across various sectors in The Gambia; (3) identification of potential case studies based on site visits; and (4) environmental and financial analyses to evaluate the viability of biogas projects.

Four case studies were selected for the feasibility assessment, which include GFirm Farm; Abuko Market, a livestock market and slaughterhouse; Bakoteh Market, a fish and vegetable market; and the Bakoteh dumpsite.

The study found that high volumes of organic waste are produced from the agricultural sector, particularly livestock, local cattle and vegetable markets, and urban dumpsites in The Gambia, much of which is improperly disposed of or left unutilized. However, this organic waste could potentially be converted into biogas, resulting in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Adopting biogas across all sites would lead to a reduction of over 7,900 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, or over 118,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over a 15-year span.

Implementing biogas projects would significantly lower energy costs for rural businesses that, by being off-grid, rely on expensive diesel generators and create new job opportunities in waste management and biogas production, empowering rural communities, especially women and youth.

Additionally, transitioning to biogas would reduce the demand for fuelwood, thus mitigating deforestation. Integrating biogas production with organic farming practices could produce bio-slurry fertilizer that enhances soil health.

Financially, biogas projects show promise, with case studies indicating positive returns on investment and manageable payback periods. However, the study emphasizes the need to implement a tailored feed-in tariff program to enhance the biogas sector and support small-scale operators. Strong governance frameworks and public-private partnerships are also essential, as is the integration of these initiatives into national policies.

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Read the full report here.