)
As part of the bilateral climate agreement under the Paris Agreement between Malawi and Switzerland, the two countries have authorised the first Article 6.2 activity in Malawi. It will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 'Malawi Dairy Biogas Activity' has been co-developed by Sistema.bio, ACT Group, and EcoGen and is financially supported by the Foundation for Climate Protection and Carbon Offset KliK. By purchasing the resulting Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), the KliK Foundation will make the activity financially viable.
"This landmark authorisation of the Malawi Dairy Biogas Activity under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to advancing practical, people-centered climate solutions. The partnership with Switzerland and our implementing partners reflects the kind of innovative, high-integrity climate cooperation that Malawi is proud to champion. It aligns with our national development priorities, strengthens our climate resilience, and contributes meaningfully to the achievement of our Nationally Determined Contributions and the Sustainable Development Goals."
"Through their advanced dairy biogas activity, Sistema.bio and EcoGen are helping to significantly improve the living standards of farmers in Malawi. With an innovative monitoring scheme to ensure the integrity of the activity, Sistema.bio is setting new standards for carbon markets. We are excited to see the successful implementation of this activity and look forward to a great collaboration with all stakeholders involved to make it a reality."
The Malawi Dairy Biogas Activity aims to distribute 10,000 biogas digesters to smallholder dairy farmers across the country. The household-scale biodigesters empower farmers to turn cow manure into clean-energy biogas and nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. This avoids methane emissions from the baseline manure treatment and enables a fuel switch from biomass—such as fuelwood or charcoal—to biogas. The documentation is available at the Registered Compensation Projects abroad (admin.ch).
"Sistema.bio is honored to contribute to this groundbreaking bilateral agreement between Malawi and Switzerland under Article 6.2. With 16 years of experience working alongside farmers to deliver high-quality biogas and biofertilizer solutions, our methane reduction projects produce robust, verifiable emissions reductions –conservatively calculated and transparently monitored through digital MRV systems. We’re especially proud to be at the forefront of this initiative, working in partnership with EcoGen in Malawi and in close collaboration with both the Swiss and Malawian governments. This agreement highlights the critical role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in building climate resilience and advancing credible, measurable climate action."
The biodigester solution is delivered in a turnkey package that includes a biogas stove, a biofertilizer management system, and a comprehensive technical training, troubleshooting and monitoring programme. This mitigation activity offers multiple co-benefits to farmers, enabling them to implement an effective manure management system by storing manure in a designated location, thus reducing soil and water contamination.
By using clean biogas, households can decrease their reliance on biomass for cooking, allowing women responsible for procuring cooking fuels to spend less time and money. Additionally, it eliminates exposure to indoor smoke and toxic fumes.
Watch the picture gallery for more information about the handling and the benefits of the biodigesters:
)
)
)
"Across many rural communities in Malawi, households have long depended on firewood for cooking while farmers continue to face rising costs of chemical fertilizers and declining soil health. These realities highlight the urgent need for practical solutions that improve both livelihoods and the environment. The ‘Malawi Dairy Biogas Programme’ is demonstrating exactly what is possible when innovation meets community needs. We are encouraged to see Malawi pioneering such a highly impactful initiative that places farmers, clean energy, and climate action at the center of rural development. Seeing farmers benefit from this programme is a strong reminder that climate solutions must also work for people on the ground. Through initiatives like this, we are not only supporting Malawi’s clean energy transition but also strengthening rural livelihoods and building more sustainable farming systems."
"ACT Group is proud to take part in developing this innovative and collaborative programme that reduces emissions, improves health outcomes, and advances the energy sovereignty of Malawian dairy farmers. The Malawi Dairy Biogas Programme pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the carbon sector through informed technical design and deep commitment to inclusive programme development. We look forward to supporting the reporting and certification of this important initiative for years to come."
Malawi and Switzerland are collaborating under a cooperative approach outlined in Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. They signed a bilateral climate agreement at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt) on November 16, 2022. This agreement regulates the cooperation between the two countries and establishes a legal framework for the implementation of greenhouse gas mitigation activities under Article 6.2. The agreement ensures that the mitigation activities will meet the highest standards of quality, environmental integrity, alignment with the SDGs, and human rights.
Malawi’s confirmation of the additionality of the mitigation activity to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and its agreement to make corresponding adjustments to its national emissions registry, form the basis for the authorisation of the mitigation activity by both countries. With the Mitigation Activity Design Document and all required supporting documentation, Sistema.bio demonstrated to the Malawian and Swiss authorities that additional financing from carbon revenues is needed to make the activity financially viable.
The ITMOs achieved with KliK Foundation’s financial support will be transferred in accordance with the bilateral climate agreement and used to meet Switzerland's emission reduction target under the Paris Agreement.
)
)
)
)
)