Changing waste into an asset: pig biogas in Lao PDR

This paper is based on initial findings of research conducted between 2009 and 2010 on the value of raising pigs as a means of poverty alleviation in Lao PDR. The paper provides a comparison of two groups of households, namely those that raise pigs with biogas digesters installed, and households that raise pigs without biogas digesters. The biogas digesters transform the faecal waste matter from the pigs into energy that is used for small scale domestic cooking. The results show that households that raise pigs with biogas digesters experienced greater social, economic and environmental benefits than those without biogas digesters. Social benefits included a reduction in the time spent collecting fuel wood for cooking, thus providing more time for other productive activities. Furthermore, using biogas as an alternative to fuel wood and charcoal can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with cooking activities and decomposition of animal waste.