Biogas production as Key Technology to Facilitate On-farm Milk Cooling in Off-Grid Cattle Farming Communities of Uganda

Date
September 2025 to August 2027
Countries
Members
Keywords
waste management
biogas
renewable energy
clean energy
climate action
economic growth
Institutions
Makerere University (Uganda)
Research fields
Agriculture and Food Sciences
Biology and Life Sciences
Chemistry

This project addresses significant challenges in Uganda's rural dairy sector, particularly the lack of access to on-farm milk cooling systems in off-grid areas, and thus milk spoilage. It aims to provide sustainable milk cooling solutions by using biogas from anaerobic co-digestion of cow manure and market waste. To this end, a small-scale digester will be built at Makerere University through collaboration with (non-)local biogas experts. This will allow the University's Centre of Excellence in Waste Management to train farmers, students and vulnerable youths in the correct use of biogas-based milk cooling on their premises. Expected outcomes are reduced milk spoilage, increased access to renewable energy and enhanced local capacity for sustainable energy and farming practices. The project supports key SDGs such as affordable clean energy, climate action and economic growth, offering a scalable solution for rural communities and contributing to Uganda's broader development goals.