Bolivia 🇧🇴

Completed

Aug 21, 2025

Bolivia Agroforestry Transformation

Partnering with Sicirec cooperative to support farmers transitioning from soil-depleting rice monocultures to sustainable cocoa agroforestry. Comprehensive support including trees, processing infrastructure, and equipment through community lending programs.

Projects

Attribute

20 drying tables + 20 fermentation boxes built.

8,000 cacao plants distributed.

Tools provided: 30 pruning saws, 30 pruning shears, 5 motorized saws.

Training & guaranteed fair, fixed prices through Sicirec

Partnership Overview

 With our partner Sicirec, cocoa farmers are shifting from monocrops to diverse agroforestry systems that protect soil, biodiversity, and livelihoods.

Implementation Process

Before installation, Green Pastures relied on diesel generators to run milking machines and chillers—costly, unreliable, and carbon-intensive. With rising fuel costs and local climate pressures, the farm needed a renewable solution to support its dairy operations.

Site Audit

Performed waste and energy assessment; estimated 4–5 tons of daily cow dung.

Site Audit

Performed waste and energy assessment; estimated 4–5 tons of daily cow dung.

Site Audit

Performed waste and energy assessment; estimated 4–5 tons of daily cow dung.

System Design

Custom fixed-dome digester with gas storage, slurry outlet, and underground piping.

System Design

Custom fixed-dome digester with gas storage, slurry outlet, and underground piping.

System Design

Custom fixed-dome digester with gas storage, slurry outlet, and underground piping.

Construction

Took 6 weeks with local masonry labor and prefabricated dome components.

Construction

Took 6 weeks with local masonry labor and prefabricated dome components.

Construction

Took 6 weeks with local masonry labor and prefabricated dome components.

Installation & Integration

Biogas piped directly to kitchen, milking parlor, and backup generator.

Installation & Integration

Biogas piped directly to kitchen, milking parlor, and backup generator.

Installation & Integration

Biogas piped directly to kitchen, milking parlor, and backup generator.

Training & Handover

Staff trained on maintenance, gas flow control, and slurry reuse.

Training & Handover

Staff trained on maintenance, gas flow control, and slurry reuse.

Training & Handover

Staff trained on maintenance, gas flow control, and slurry reuse.

Photo Gallery

Measurable Impact

Impact Metrics

8,000 cocoa trees planted

21 drying facilities

20 fermentation boxes

Dozens of farmers trained & equipped

Challenges & Innovations

The high elevation of Eldoret meant cooler nights, which can slow digestion. We added thermal insulation and used slurry pre-warming to maintain optimal temperatures and microbial activity.

Conclusion

Biogas is more than a renewable energy solution—it’s a practical, cost-effective tool that empowers farmers to do more with what they already have.

From reducing fuel expenses to improving soil health and creating new revenue streams, the impact is clear. As more small farms adopt this technology, the agricultural landscape in Africa is being reshaped—cleaner, more resilient, and future-ready.

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