See the su-re.co videos on their work with IKI Small Grants empowering local farmers with biogas in Indonesia
In the lush landscapes of Bali and Flores, where agriculture shapes daily life, farmers have faced challenges that threaten both their livelihoods and the environment. The reliance on firewood for cooking has led to deforestation, household air pollution, and health problems. However, a project led by su-re.co, with funding from Germany’s IKI Small Grants programme, is changing this narrative.
The project: clean energy and sustainable agriculture
The biogas initiative, launched by su-re.co (Sustainability and Resilience Co), started in 2021 with less than 50,000 euros in funding from IKI Small Grants, part of Germany’s International Climate Initiative, and installed more than 40 biodigesters across rural areas in Bali and Flores. These systems convert livestock waste into biogas for cooking and organic fertilizer for farming. The project not only addresses environmental concerns for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, but also enhances the livelihoods of farmers by reducing energy costs and improving crop yields.
Through IKI Small Grants, su-re.co received support for implementing and scaling this innovative solution. The funding also allowed for developing training programmes, market connections for farmers, and advocacy with policymakers.
Transforming farming and everyday living
Farmers like Komang Mertayasa, a cacao farmer in Jembrana, Bali, have experienced the benefits of cutting use of firewood and chemical fertilisers. “I used to collect two piles of firewood, now I only need half that amount,” he shares. Now, with biogas, the household can cook with the clean energy generated from the digester. “First, I collect the cow dung,” he explains, “Then I add water and mix it well. It goes in the biogas digester inlet, and after it produces gas, I’ll use that to cook.”
The day after filling the digester, Komang then uses and collects the bio-slurry waste and uses it as fertiliser. “For my cacao and coconut trees,” he adds. “It reduces costs, so I can save money.”
Impacting the community
The programme has also fostered community collaboration. Farmers share knowledge on maintaining biodigesters and growing crops more sustainably. “Currently, I’m the only one benefitting from this in the village,” says Komang. “My friends want this too!”
Su-re.co’s work goes beyond individual households. By engaging with cooperatives and policymakers, the initiative is creating a ripple effect. Local authorities have visited villages to witness the impact, spurring discussions on scaling biogas adoption nationwide. The organization is also exploring opportunities to replicate the model in other regions.
Building resilience and sustainability
This project highlights the power of combining innovation, education, and grassroots action to address environmental and social challenges. By empowering rural communities, su-re.co and IKI Small Grants demonstrate how sustainable solutions can transform lives through local climate and biodiversity action.
For more information on this project, visit the IKI Small Grants project page.