Biodigester Model Transforms School Meals and Attendance in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement

Primary schools operating within the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement are experiencing a positive transformation in student attendance and hunger reduction. A study by CARE International highlights the success of the Biodigesters for Agriculture and Nutrition in Schools (BANS) model over the past two years across five local institutions, including Maratatu and Kentomi primary schools.

The innovative initiative merges organic waste management with agricultural production and school feeding. By feeding organic waste from the school premises and surrounding areas into a 32-cubic-metre biodigester, the schools generate clean biogas for cooking alongside nutrient-rich organic fertilizer for school gardens.

Geofrey Ayesiga, the headteacher of Maratatu Primary School, noted that the project has successfully addressed hunger among learners. The resulting regular meals have directly contributed to better concentration, increased student retention, and an overall improvement in the school environment.

CARE International estimates that the standard installation requires an initial capital investment of around Shs32 million, with manageable annual operational costs. Schools utilizing four acres of land can potentially harvest thousands of kilograms of maize per season, significantly cutting down on food procurement expenses. However, project director Muhangi African emphasized that the model relies heavily on active community participation rather than viewing the setup as a passive donation.

To read the full details of this initiative, visit Nile Post.