How to make biofuel from cactus

A cactus is a slow-growing plant adapted to desert areas with intense heat and environment that stores moisture in roots, leaves and stems.

In Kenya, the plants are mainly found in semi-arid and arid areas across Laikipia plateau, where most people keep livestock. The plant has purple fruits and spines. The spines are modified leaves dangerous for livestock’s as they cause infections.

Herders from Laikipia County have been converting cactus into biofuel. The World Vision organisation is has taken the mandate to train eight women groups in Laikipia County on how to make the fuel.

The plant juice can be used to manufacture biofuels and candies.

How to make biofuel

Wear protective gloves and cut the prickly pear cactus. Crush the entire plant with a chuff cutter several times for until to form a thick paste.

Dilute the paste with water to make it less sticky before you pour it in a tank for fermentation.

Ferment it and mix it with manure, it will break down to produce methane and water hence converting it to biofuel.

Before you start using it for cooking purposes pass it through a desulphuriser unit for purification.

The biofuel is used for cooking and the waste sludge used as fertiliser on kitchen gardens.

It reduces energy cost by 50 per cent. The plant does not put pressure on food prices as the plants grow effortlessly in arid areas. Herders will have enough pastures for the livestock through this as the plant discourages grasses and tree shrubs.

Cacti juice

The plant juice contains monosaccharides and polysaccharides, which can be combined with glycerol, natural waxes and proteins to create a liquid that forms sheets. It is used to manufacture jellies and candies, lowering blood sugar, healing wounds and lowering cholesterol levels.