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		Improved Biogas Unit for Developing Countries (GTZ, 1991, 98 p.)
			(introduction...)
			Acknowledgments
			Foreword
			Acknowledgment
			1. Preface
			2. Why biogas ?
			3. Explanation of terms
			4. Biogas extension work
			5. The agricultural biogas unit
			6. Construction of the biogas plant
			7. Construction of cattle stable
			8. Construction of the pigsty
			9. The sanitary biogas unit
			10. Use of slurry
			11. Use of gas
			12. Operation and maintenance
			13. Pending technical issues
			14. Appendix

1. Preface

This booklet reflects seven years of experience of the Biogas Extension Service (BES) of CAMARTEC (Centre for Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Technology) in Arusha/ Tanzania which was carried out in cooperation with Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), Eschborn, FRG, 1983 - 1986 as part of the Biogas Extension Programme and as part of the Special Energy Programme during 1983 1990.

We appreciate the patient cooperation of the farmers, especially during the starting phase of the programme when the technology was not yet mature.

This publication is meant as a teaching aid in agricultural colleges and as a reference book for professionals working in the field of rural biogas extension. For that reason, the ideal set-up of a biogas unit is described. The CAMARTEC Biogas Extension Service does not claim to have reached the ideal in practice, but has tried to achieve the maximum for the farmer with the least possible interference in their farm management. Used biogas plants are the best proof of an appropriate biogas unit.

Biogas Units have to be appropriate to the farmers condition. Therefore, the findings and conclusions reported here, must be seen in context with the geographical and socio-economic situation of the project area. For the coffee-banana-beft of Arumeru District of Tanzania the fixed dome plant is the most appropriate. It does not require expensive steel for the gasholder and can be operated with a minimum of daily cars. It took the CAMARTEC team quite some time to come to a reliable structure and a user-friendly layout and design. The basic problems are solved, but minor improvements may still be possible. Beginners in biogas are advised to first follow the given standard design. A non appropriate but functioning solution is still better than an appropriate one which does not work reliable. Nevertheless, we hope that CAMARTEC's experience may encourage the reader to find appropriate solutions for her or his applicable location.

CAMARTEC
Biogas Extension Service