Geoff Mathis, (a Rotarian based in Mount Maunganui, NZ) then Rotary District Governor had an idea, one that required kiwi ingenuity and farming expertise. Geoff developed a simple biogas digester (cow manure in one end – gas out the other end) to help the village of Mwika have access to lighting and cooking gas.

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Mwika, on the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro, is an area of approximately 14sq kilometres. Seven villages reside here, totalling a population of around 7,000 families. Of these, 95% have no electricity or transport. Most families own 1-2 cows.