distribution channels are already made. Government partners hail from local ministries of agriculture and livestock, and the government contribution is training
through agricultural extension workers as to how the biodigesters might benefit a
family that owns at least two cows. The technology is unaffordable for the very
poor; the smallest biodigester costs $400 dollars and requires dung from the
equivalent of two cows or four pigs in order to run. In order to ensure that poor
farmers (albeit not the poorest of the population) can access the technology, the
project managers have created a flat subsidy of $150 and have partnered with local
banks wherein they assist in approving regular commercial loans. The default rate
on the loans is an astonishing zero percent, reflecting the high savings associated
with a biodigester’s ability to essentially eliminate fuel and manure costs, while
contributing to indoor lighting needs.
In addition to partnering with the government, the project developers in the NBP
utilize a local NGO that assists in the training of masons and technicians to install
the biodigesters. This workforce is trained by the project manager, and is paid on
commission – though commission is substantially higher ($90 per unit) than for the
Hydrologic sales agents. By training and employing masons, technicians, and
involving local agriculture extension services in their marketing strategy, the
NBP has managed to achieve national coverage with a seemingly unaffordable
product. However, since 2012 the subsidy is being phased out and uptake has
drastically declined (Tables 12.2 and 12.3).
Table 12.2 Case study attributes
Case Study Snapshot
New Laos Stove
Hydrologic
National Biodigester
Program
Households serviced
2- 2.5 million
65,064
23,000
Technology deployed
Cookstoves
Water filters
Biodigesters
Total emissions reductions to
date
1,200,000 tons
146,378
335,519
Certification Type
Verified Carbon Standard Gold Standard
Gold Standard
Unit cost in dollars
a
$5
$23
$250
Satisfaction rate
b
Unknown
94.10%
97%
Last mile distribution
mechanism
NA
Yes, for 30%
Yes, subsidy
Distribution Strategy
Local technology
production and local
markets for distribution
Local production and
assisted distribution
(markets and some
subsidized market
channels)
Local production and
subsidized distribution
Livelihood index score
2.53
2.19
1.80
a
All projects are located in a Least Developed Country except project D. Monthly income is
60–120 dollars a month in the communities of interest
b
As evidenced by drop out rate in user surveys, reported in project documents by developers
12 Unpacking the Black Box of Technology Distribution, Development Potential. . .
227
through agricultural extension workers as to how the biodigesters might benefit a
family that owns at least two cows. The technology is unaffordable for the very
poor; the smallest biodigester costs $400 dollars and requires dung from the
equivalent of two cows or four pigs in order to run. In order to ensure that poor
farmers (albeit not the poorest of the population) can access the technology, the
project managers have created a flat subsidy of $150 and have partnered with local
banks wherein they assist in approving regular commercial loans. The default rate
on the loans is an astonishing zero percent, reflecting the high savings associated
with a biodigester’s ability to essentially eliminate fuel and manure costs, while
contributing to indoor lighting needs.
In addition to partnering with the government, the project developers in the NBP
utilize a local NGO that assists in the training of masons and technicians to install
the biodigesters. This workforce is trained by the project manager, and is paid on
commission – though commission is substantially higher ($90 per unit) than for the
Hydrologic sales agents. By training and employing masons, technicians, and
involving local agriculture extension services in their marketing strategy, the
NBP has managed to achieve national coverage with a seemingly unaffordable
product. However, since 2012 the subsidy is being phased out and uptake has
drastically declined (Tables 12.2 and 12.3).
Table 12.2 Case study attributes
Case Study Snapshot
New Laos Stove
Hydrologic
National Biodigester
Program
Households serviced
2- 2.5 million
65,064
23,000
Technology deployed
Cookstoves
Water filters
Biodigesters
Total emissions reductions to
date
1,200,000 tons
146,378
335,519
Certification Type
Verified Carbon Standard Gold Standard
Gold Standard
Unit cost in dollars
a
$5
$23
$250
Satisfaction rate
b
Unknown
94.10%
97%
Last mile distribution
mechanism
NA
Yes, for 30%
Yes, subsidy
Distribution Strategy
Local technology
production and local
markets for distribution
Local production and
assisted distribution
(markets and some
subsidized market
channels)
Local production and
subsidized distribution
Livelihood index score
2.53
2.19
1.80
a
All projects are located in a Least Developed Country except project D. Monthly income is
60–120 dollars a month in the communities of interest
b
As evidenced by drop out rate in user surveys, reported in project documents by developers
12 Unpacking the Black Box of Technology Distribution, Development Potential. . .
227