It is unusual in such regions to find that the
arguments against the use of manure have been
generated, or at least amplified, by hygiene
propaganda. In the Pacific Basin, for example, a
region in which few epidemics have been known so
far, but were belatedly infused by way of
acculturation. A potential solution would be to
conduct demonstrations in cooperation with
institutions known for - and viewed as credible
because of - their close involvement with matters of
hygiene.
Irregular attendance and maintenance of
biogas systems
This is a frequent problem in the tropics, where the
climate dictates no particular sequence of
agricultural activities. Applied to biogas systems, the
connection between a process breakdown and
irregular charging is not immediately recognizable,
because there is a substantial time lag between the
owner’s forgetting to feed substrate into the system
and the eventual, resultant decrease in gas
production. Similarly, once the biogas system has
stopped producing, it will take up to about 10 days
of regular charging to get the gas production back to
normal levels. Once again, the connection is
blurred. The only possible solution would be to
provide long-term intensive training aimed at
instilling an appreciation for the need to ensure that
the system is charged on a regular basis.
Figure 16: Toilet (under
construction), directly
connected to the plant
Photo: Kellner (TBW)
Fertilization
This problem stands in close relation to the ethical barriers, socio-cultural taboos, defense
mechanisms and the lack of regularity in the attandance of biogas systems. Insufficient,
untimely or otherwise improper fertilizing may be the result of a lack of familiarization with
regard to the work involved, the type of fertilizer being used or the necessity of methodical
regularity. To the extent that neither ethical barriers nor socio-cultural taboos are involved,
the only workable approach is to provide intensive training for the owner-operators.
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