Field Testing of Biogas Socket/Prototype

Young Consultants (YC) was engaged by SNV Bangladesh to conduct field testing and market research for a biogas socket prototype developed by SNV. The assignment aimed to gather feedback from existing biogas users in Bangladesh to assess the prototype’s suitability and understand its potential acceptance among users. The study was designed to generate practical insights into user experiences and inform further development and potential market introduction of the prototype.

To achieve these objectives, YC conducted desk research and identified suitable geographical areas for field testing based on the availability and concentration of biogas plants. The study team selected Savar, Dhaka, as the primary field location and engaged existing biogas users to collect their opinions and experiences regarding the prototype.

YC conducted five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with biogas users in the Savar area. These discussions facilitated the collection of user feedback and qualitative insights relevant to field testing the biogas socket prototype. The assignment was initially planned to include six to eight FGDs; however, five FGDs were conducted according to the available project records.

To document the fieldwork and capture participants’ feedback, YC prepared video recordings and video clips during the research activities. The firm consolidated the findings and prepared the final report, accompanied by video documentation and translations, for submission to SNV Bangladesh.

Through this assignment, YC provided field research, user consultation, prototype testing support, and analytical reporting services. The findings were intended to help SNV Bangladesh better understand user perspectives and inform further refinement of the biogas socket prototype for potential use in the local market.

Assignment Details
Client: SNV Bangladesh
Location: Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Contract Value: Approximately US$2,000
Duration: 1 month
Assignment Period: July 2014 – August 2014
Total Staff-Months: 3 staff-months
Key Personnel: S. M. Firoj Hasan (Team Leader); Md. Mosiur Rahman (Field Manager); Md. Asifuzzaman (Research Executive); Mr. Jubaer Arefin (Research Executive)
Associated Consultants: Not specified
Key Deliverables: Desk research; identification of suitable field-testing locations with biogas plant clusters; five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with biogas users in Savar; video recordings and clips documenting field activities; final report accompanied by video documentation and translations.