Sistema.bio
This biodigester allows smallholder farms to turn their waste into renewable energy and organic fertiliser.
By Sam Golden
Summary:
Every year, farms around the world generate over 1.3 billion tons of organic waste. Instead of being used as the valuable resource that it is, most of this farm waste is just left to decompose.Mexican company Sistema.bio has developed an affordable biodigester that turns organic waste into a renewable biogas and organic fertiliser.Not only does the biodigester put farm waste to good use, but it also reduces farmer’s dependence on non-renewable energy sources and environmentally harmful synthetic fertilisers.Sistema.bio’s biodigester is proof that helping farmers transition to circular waste management systems is a simple but effective way to lessen their environmental impact and improve their livelihoods at the same time.
Smallholder farmers—those cultivating less than two hectares of land—produce a third of the world's food. Yet, despite their crucial role in global food security, most live below the poverty line. This financial strain makes access to reliable, affordable energy a constant challenge. Without electricity or modern energy infrastructure, many farmers rely on polluting fuels like firewood, charcoal, and diesel. This dependence contributes to deforestation, accelerates climate change, and exposes farmers to harmful air pollution.
At the same time, smallholder farmers struggle with soil health and long-term crop yields. Poor soil conditions often push them toward synthetic fertilizers, which are both expensive and deplete essential nutrients over time. This creates a vicious cycle—declining soil fertility reduces productivity, forcing farmers to rely even more on costly fertilizers that further degrade their land.
For more on the problems associated with synthetic fertilizers, see Sam Golden’s article on Wildfarmed.
Adding to these challenges is the issue of agricultural waste. Farms worldwide generate over 1.3 billion tons of organic waste each year, much of which is left to decompose. Instead of serving as a resource, this waste releases methane—a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming.
Together, these interconnected problems—energy poverty, soil degradation, and waste mismanagement—trap smallholder farmers in a cycle of financial hardship and environmental decline. Without sustainable solutions, they face increasing difficulty in maintaining their farms and feeding their communities.
Fortunately, the Mexican company Sistema.bio has developed a promising solution for smallholder farmers: biodigesters.
Their biodigesters process animal manure and other farm waste to produce biogas—a clean, renewable energy source. Farmers can use this biogas for cooking, heating water, and other household or farm activities, reducing their reliance on expensive and polluting fuels like firewood and diesel.
In addition to generating energy, the biodigesters produce a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer known as bioslurry. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, which degrade soil over time, bioslurry replenishes essential nutrients and supports natural microbial activity, helping farmers grow healthier crops while lowering their dependence on costly chemical fertilizers.
One of Sistema.bio’s key strengths is the adaptability of its technology. The biodigesters are designed to function in diverse climates and with various types of organic waste, making them suitable for both small family farms and larger agricultural operations. To ensure long-term success, the company also provides training, customer support, and financing options, making it easier for farmers to invest in and maintain their systems.
Sistema.bio is an inspiring success story. More than 114,000 of its biodigesters have been installed worldwide, providing access to clean, renewable energy for over half a million people. Additionally, the biofertilizer produced by the system is now enriching over 1.8 million hectares of farmland every year.
If just 10% of the world’s smallholder farmers adopted this technology, it could prevent the equivalent of over 1 billion tons of emissions annually by reducing methane emissions from crop waste and decreasing farmers’ reliance on polluting energy sources.
Sistema.bio’s work proves that waste is not just a problem—it is an opportunity. By transforming organic waste into energy and fertilizer, farmers can break free from expensive and unsustainable agricultural practices. With the right tools, training, and support, smallholder farmers can play a vital role in combating climate change, improving food security, and building a more sustainable future for themselves and their communities.