Integration of Biogas Technology into Farming System of the three Northern Regions of Ghana

Abstract

This article takes a look at the possible integration of biogas technology into farming system of the three northern regions of Ghana. The nexus between animal husbandry and crop production is a key to improving agricultural productivity in the study areas. The research involves a thorough study of the farming system in the three northern regions and an extensive review of literature on biogas technology. During the research, it was revealed that the three northern regions which have the largest concentration of livestock hardly use the enormous manure generated by these livestock efficiently to improve the condition of their soils which lack basic nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) needed for high crop yield. Farmers in the regions thus depend largely on chemical fertilizers. The research compares the use of digested slurry and raw manure, nutritional values of different animals’ slurry and outlines the efficiencies of biogas in different equipment. The paper discusses the processes in biogas production as a source of energy in farming communities, outlines the basic farming systems in the three northern regions, the composition and application of biogas and the digested slurry, and summarizes the micro and macro benefits of the biogas technology. It was concluded with some recommendations.