How Biogas Powers Regenerative Agriculture in Uganda: Evelyn’s Story
Meet Evelyn Cheroriot, a farmer in eastern Uganda who is creating wealth from waste to support her vegetable production.
New Crops, New Beginnings
For Evelyn Cheboriot and her husband, Arapmasai Patrick, farming is a way of life. Ten years ago, they began growing maize and Irish potatoes on their small farm in eastern Uganda. But they were not earning enough to support their family of five, and eventually turned to vegetable production, which offered the potential for higher incomes.
Then, in 2019, Evelyn joined the Ngereb Women’s Group, a farmers’ group in her area that provides savings and loan services to its members. Through the group, Evelyn gained access to training on financial literacy, market information, and connections with agro-input dealers. It was through her participation in this group that she learned of the Horticulture Market Acceleration (HortiMAP) project.
HortiMAP was implemented by TechnoServe and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in collaboration with a consortium that includes BiD Capital Partners, PUM Netherlands, and Wageningen University and Research. The project, which ran from 2021 to 2024, was active in 33 districts of the Elgon and Kigezi regions, as well as the Lake Victoria Crescent.
Overcoming Barriers to Regenerative Agriculture in Uganda
During one of the training sessions on regenerative agricultural practices, the program introduced Evelyn to Sistema.bio, a biogas company that sells and installs biogas digesters for farmers with animals.
A biogas digester is a sealed, controlled system designed to biologically break down organic waste materials, such as animal manure and plant residues, through the process of anaerobic digestion. The liquid byproduct of biogas digesters, known as bioslurry, can be used as an effective organic fertilizer when applied directly to crops in the garden.
At the time, Evelyn was reliant on firewood from her land for cooking, which made her land prone to erosion. She was also using synthetic fertilizers for growing her crops, which rendered the soil acidic and unproductive.
After attending the training, Evelyn was intrigued by the potential benefits of biogas, including its role as a healthier and more sustainable energy source, its contribution to improved soil fertility, and its reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the biogas system was expensive, and she could not afford it at the time.
Empowering Women Farmers Through Financial Access
Then, in September 2023, Evelyn secured a loan of UGX 600,000 ($164) from Sebei Farmers’ SACCO, a partner organization with Sistema.bio. The following month, she used the money to purchase quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to start her onion production. The result was a harvest worth UGX 3,000,000 ($821). She used the revenue from the harvest to repay the loan, purchase the biogas system, and reinvest in her onion farming for the subsequent planting season.
Evelyn lights her biogas to cook. She can now prepare multiple meals simultaneously using her biogas. (TechnoServe)
Evelyn’s Farming Gains with Regenerative Agriculture
After switching to organic fertilizer developed from biogas, Evelyn has significantly improved the fertility and structure of her soil. She no longer spends money on synthetic fertilizers and, in her second season of using biogas in 2024, she harvested 20 bags (2,000 kg) of onions from the same 0.25 acres—a 30% increase.
Moreover, Evelyn no longer has to cut down trees on her land for firewood and has begun planting new trees. “Reducing or completely eliminating tree cutting for firewood has helped me appreciate the vital role trees play in the environment,” Evelyn explained. “They contribute to improved soil fertility by providing shade, as their leaves decompose to enrich the soil. Trees also control soil erosion, act as windbreaks for crops, and supply fresh air.”
Building a Brighter Future with Regenerative Agriculture
Her newfound financial success has enabled her to expand her home and establish a poultry business, increasing her flock from 30 to 100 birds. Evelyn can send her children to good schools—a luxury that was previously out of reach—and provide three to four balanced meals a day, compared to just one or two meals before.
Using biogas has alleviated the stress of firewood collection, empowered her to nurture her environment with regrowth, and made cooking quick and convenient.
My life is better now. I am less stressed, more energetic, and healthier. I can provide for my family and live in comfort.”
