Biodigesters for Smallholder Farmers

Sistema.bio has installed over 140,000 biodigesters globally since 2010, impacting more than 844,000 people across 30 countries. The technology performs a dual environmental service: it prevents methane emissions from open manure storage whilst displacing fossil fuels and firewood used for cooking.

The biodigester itself is a sealed, flexible membrane system made from durable linear low-density polyethylene, partially buried underground for stability. Farmers simply feed fresh manure mixed with water into the system daily. Microorganisms break down the waste in an oxygen-free environment, producing usable biogas within days of installation. The system operates continuously with minimal maintenance, backed by a 10-year warranty on the reactor membrane and expected lifespan of 20-25 years.

Economic benefits are immediate and substantial. Farmers save money by becoming self-producers of cooking gas. For example, In Mexico's Yucatan region, 75% of trained farmers have increased crop volume and quality, whilst 71% have eliminated chemical fertiliser use, saving an average of $75 USD.

The technology supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing poverty, food security, clean energy, and climate action. Through partnerships with organisations like Danone, farmers can access biodigesters at significantly reduced cost or even free, with carbon credit financing covering 80-85% of total expenses. Learn more about the technology at Sistema.bio.