Selling and installing small biogas digesters for farms and homes
Starting costs about 1,960,000 NGN in Nigeria and 494,000 KES in Kenya. After 12 months, this business can bring in about 376,000 NGN net per month in Nigeria and 50,900 KES in Kenya. The starting money comes back in about 13 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 1,960,000 NGN | 376,000 NGN |
| Kenya | 494,000 KES | 50,900 KES |
| India | 244,000 INR | 37,100 INR |
| Philippines | 235,000 PHP | 32,000 PHP |
| South Africa | 78,200 ZAR | 10,200 ZAR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Farms and rural homes buy gas, firewood or charcoal for cooking and heating, while manure and organic waste go unused.
The solution
Selling and installing prefabricated or masonry digesters that turn manure and waste into cooking gas and liquid fertiliser, with training and maintenance.
Your customers
Small and medium livestock farms, rural households with a few animals, schools, boarding schools, small slaughterhouses and rural restaurants.
How you make money
Units at €400-3,000 installed, 20-30% margin, plus €30-60 maintenance visits and spare parts sales.
Competition
Subsidised biogas programmes, trained masons working independently, sellers of gas cylinders, firewood and charcoal.
Who has an edge
A mason, plumber or farm technician trained in biogas, close to livestock farmers, who installs neatly and comes back when a digester underperforms.
The risks
Poorly fed digesters that stop producing, gas leaks, high prices for low-income households, reliance on subsidies and farming seasonality.
The first 3 steps
- Take hands-on training in building and maintaining biogas digesters.
- Install a demonstration unit at a respected farmer's place.
- Look into subsidies and microloans for farm equipment.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €5,500 − costs €4,400 = €1,100 net per month. Revenue: 4 units × €1,200 + 15 service visits × €45. Costs: materials and tanks, casual helper, transport, tools, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Small biogas digesters?
About 1,960,000 NGN (Nigeria), 494,000 KES (Kenya), 244,000 INR (India), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about 376,000 NGN (Nigeria), 50,900 KES (Kenya), 37,100 INR (India) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 13 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Poorly fed digesters that stop producing, gas leaks, high prices for low-income households, reliance on subsidies and farming seasonality.
Where do I start?
1. Take hands-on training in building and maintaining biogas digesters. 2. Install a demonstration unit at a respected farmer's place. 3. Look into subsidies and microloans for farm equipment.
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