BIOGAS INITIATIVE

Increased animal production creates an increase in animal waste. This waste creates an environmental and health hazard for families as well as the whole community.  Biogas units are an answer to this problem.

A biogas unit includes a concrete tank called a digester. In this tank bacteria converts organic waste into methane gas through the process of anaerobic digestion. The farmer places the animal waste and other plant waste into the biogas digester. The biogas unit collects the methane gas that is produced and it can be used for cooking, lighting or other energy needs. After the waste is fully digested it is removed from the tank and used as organic fertilizer.

YWAM Mercy Vietnam works with communities to promote the benefits of biogas units. Public promotion and education encourages farmers to install biogas units. Biogas unit loans are available to farmers based on economic and environmental need.

CHEMICAL WASTE TANKS

The availability of chemicals in the form of fertilizers and pesticides offer benefits to farmers but pose risks to farmland and community water supplies.

Farmers applying these chemicals to their land often lack disposal facilities for extra chemicals or the empty packaging. These are often left on the land and cause dangerous amounts of chemicals to contaminate the water ways. It is in these water ways where farmers wash their vegetables on the way to market. This can cause dangerous amounts of chemicals to be carried into peoples homes and eaten.

YWAM Mercy Vietnam works with local leaders to install waste tanks for the packages and extra chemicals. This, along with trainings on proper use and safety when dealing with chemicals, is helping protect the community and the environment.

RATS

Rats pose a big threat to rice crops in Vietnam. They eat the young rice seedling and destroy the walls of the paddy fields. As much as 30% of the rice productivity can be lost in this way.

YWAM Mercy Vietnam has worked with the University of Agriculture to come up with innovative solutions that are more environmentally sound than the traditional poisons. A new type of trap was introduced and farmers have been trained. This is effectively reducing the rat population in several communities.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SANITATION TRAINING

Based on specific community needs, YWAM Mercy Vietnam brings in experts to provide solutions to environmental and sanitation challenges.

Past trainings have included correct use of chemicals and teaching families about health and sanitation. We have also helped communities set up both liquid and sold waste collection systems.