Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata, recently in CHIPINGE
VILLAGERS in Hakwata, Chipinge District are celebrating a new era of clean and convenient cooking following the installation of biogas digesters at more than 90 homesteads under the Government and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Climate Adaptation, Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP).
The project, which is being implemented by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Organisation (FCDO) is transforming lives by providing renewable energy to rural communities while promoting environmental conservation.
For Mrs Pretty Simango (42), the biogas digester has brought relief and comfort after years of struggling with smoke-related health problems caused by cooking with firewood.
“I received a biogas digester because I was one of the people with the required number of cattle needed for one to have it installed,” she said.
“If you have less than eight cows, you would not qualify. Since I received the biogas digester, my life has changed.
“I have problems with my eyes when I encounter smoke so it was difficult for me to cook using firewood. Now things have changed, I no longer have to send my children to fetch firewood or struggle to cook when it rains and we no longer chop trees but protect the environment instead.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs Enia Chikweshe (48) said the biogas project has restored her dignity and eased her workload as a single mother.
“Since my husband died, I used to live in poverty before I was selected to be among those receiving biogas digesters,” she said.
“In the mornings, I had to look for firewood to prepare food for my children before they went to school, and most of the time they would be late. After that, I had to work in the fields and fetch water, which left me exhausted.
“But since I received the biogas digester, my life has improved. I can now cook at any time and do other things to improve our lives. We thank Government and UNDP for coming up with such an initiative.”
The benefits of the project extend beyond convenience and health as villagers said it has also contributed to environmental protection by reducing deforestation.
Mr Mlambo, another beneficiary, expressed gratitude for the development and said it had improved their daily lives.
“We thank the Government for the biogas digesters; cooking is now much easier for us. We used to have challenges as trees were being chopped wantonly,” he said.
Echoing the same sentiments, Mrs Jane Dhini said the introduction of biogas technology has brought peace of mind to many households.
“The biogas digesters have gone a long way in improving our living conditions and we hope the project will spread across the whole village,” she said.
The US$16 million project supports vulnerable communities’ adaptation and resilience to climate shocks through the promotion of clean energy and sustainable practices.
It is being rolled out in four districts — Chipinge (Hakwata), Chivi (Gororo), Insiza (Wanezi) and Binga (Mlibizi) — with the aim of helping Zimbabwe achieve its climate change goals.
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Peter Tanyanyiwa