Michael O. Agho [moagho@cyberspace.net.ng] wrote:
> The biodigester appears to be a crucial link of the activities of an IBS
> farm, in terms of materials-flow, and I'd like to seize this opportunity to
> invite offers for the training of our staff in the technology of anaerobic
> digestion, and the construction of digesters. Truly, if digesters are
> popularized and put into practice in Nigeria, the waste in our agriculture
> could be reduced significantly.

Dear Dr Agho,

I think it is important that investors in such a farm must have their own
money, and view grants as a sweetener rather than a way of financing the
development. I have seen several technically valid agribusinesses in Indonesia
fail after initial development , because stakeholders were under the impression
that grants would be forthcoming to supplement their cashflow, and delay of
grants have caused the business to founder. Delays between nominated payouts
and actual payday for grants can be delayed by over a year in many cases.

If you have an Australian collaborator, up to 50% of their training costs (up
to AUD$250 000) in a commercial venture can be covered by the Australian
Agency for International Development's Private Sector Linkages Programme.
They may also be able to tap into Australian ACIAR funding for research
projects, but this takes a very long time indeed. The various Australian
state governments have their own little overseas development bureaus,
and these often run free training courses in the food and agriculture sphere
in developing countries. The Victorian government is very active in this area.
Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation may be useful sources of grant
money for research and training activities. Winrock International are another
organisation worth talking to, particularly if sustainable energy is involved
(biogas harvesting and use).

Other participants may know of other agencies that can provide grants in other
countries.

Best wishes,

Simon Appleby