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The key to our work has been the construction of biogas generators (biodigestors) for individual families. These are simple chambers made of thin plastic sheeting, within which cow dung or other animal droppings, mixed with the appropriate proportion of water, ferments to yield combustible gas (essentially methane) for domestic use. Plastic tubing with a simple valve system leads the gas into the domestic interior, where it is normally used for cooking, but can also be used for lighting or refrigeration. A family with three or more cows can be self-sufficient in cooking gas using one of these biodigestors.

There are considerable benefits associated with a biodigestor. Firstly, and most obviously, the gas supply is a no extra cost to the family. Secondly the arduous task of finding wood for cooking is avoided, with special benefits for women and children (who can gain the time needed to attend school). Thirdly the flame is cleaner than a wood fire flame and reduces the incidence of lung cancer. Fourthly the liquid effluent from the biodigestor is an excellent fertilizer, ecological, and very easy to apply efficiently. Fifthly by adding a latrine to the system, the household gains in hygiene.

Although we are not the inventors of biodigestors, our systems are particularly valuable in Bolivia for two reasons: they are very quick and cheap to install (also easy to maintain) and they are adaptable to the surrounding conditions. We are, in fact, pioneers in the production of biodigestors which can functionn in the Altiplano, at 4,000 m above sea level even at sub-zero temperatures. These work via a greenhouse system, in which the solar rays warm the biodigestor, which  then operates exothermically. We have also installed solar water heaters in villages in the Altiplano, giving hot water to many families for the first time. There are waiting lists for our systems in villages in the municipality of Achacachi, near Lake Titicaca, and our main limitation is the limited financing which we are able to tap. The families do pay for our installations, but it is not an economic cost, rather a nominal cost which we claim as a maintenance charge for their systems and which enables us to keep a part time technician in employment.