The Bank of Tanzania has reported a significant increase in charcoal sales, reaching Sh5.73 billion in September 2024, despite efforts to promote clean cooking energy. A sharp seasonal decline is also noted. Stakeholders are advocating for awareness initiatives and greater accessibility to alternative energies as Tanzania aims for 80 percent clean energy usage by 2034, primarily focusing on cooking gas.
In Tanzania, charcoal sales have significantly increased, as reported by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) in its recent Consolidated Zonal Economic Report for the quarter ending September 2024. Sales surged to Sh5.73 billion, up from Sh2.94 billion in the same period last year, reflecting a 100 percent increase in demand for charcoal among households, despite initiatives promoting clean cooking energy.
However, there was a notable seasonal decline of 39.30 percent in sales compared to the previous quarter, indicating fluctuating consumption patterns. Stakeholders in the energy sector are advocating for strategies to decrease charcoal consumption, which include heightening public awareness concerning alternative clean energy sources and enhancing their affordability and accessibility.
Tanzania aims for 80 percent of its population to utilize clean cooking energy by 2034, with an emphasis on promoting cooking gas. To support this transition, gas cylinders are being issued to households to encourage a shift from charcoal and firewood consumption.
According to the BoT report, the South-Eastern zone led the country’s charcoal sales with Sh3.68 billion, representing 64.22 percent of total sales. The Central region contributed Sh856.6 million, while the Northern region recorded Sh775.6 million. In contrast, the Lake Zone and Dar es Salaam saw the lowest sales, with Sh410.9 million and Sh12.6 million, respectively.
Dr. Lutengano Mwinuka, an economist from the University of Dodoma, highlighted that many Tanzanians still reside in rural areas where access to clean energy is limited. He emphasized the need to promote energy-efficient stoves that reduce charcoal usage and to foster awareness campaigns for alternative energy sources such as biomass and agricultural waste to mitigate the environmental effects of charcoal production.
Dr. Mwinuka also urged that initiatives addressing clean energy access should extend to both urban and rural contexts, ensuring practical solutions tailored to local conditions. He stated, “Efforts must not be confined to cities. We must address the challenges faced by rural communities in adopting cleaner energy sources.”
Dr. Donald Mmari, Executive Director of Repoa, echoed Dr. Mwinuka’s sentiments, stating that awareness campaigns are not effectively reaching rural populations. He stressed the importance of ensuring the accessibility and affordability of alternative energy sources while promoting the benefits of clean energy.
Professor Aurelia Kamuzora, an economist at Mzumbe University, proposed conducting research to evaluate the financial capacity of Tanzanians to ensure gas pricing aligns with economic realities. She noted that charcoal remains more affordable than gas, emphasizing the need for higher charcoal prices to spur a significant shift in energy consumption. She also warned that households would return to charcoal if gas refilling costs remain high.
To improve accessibility, Dr. Mmari suggested examining production, transportation costs, and generation technology to lower clean energy prices, particularly for low-income households. Dr. Mwinuka reiterated the necessity of revising gas pricing policies, advocating for adjustments that could incentivize the wide adoption of cleaner energy alternatives.
Tanzania is experiencing a substantial increase in charcoal sales, highlighting the country’s ongoing reliance on this traditional fuel source despite efforts to promote clean cooking energy. Stakeholders recognize the necessity of raising awareness and improving access to affordable alternatives such as cooking gas. With a national goal of ensuring that 80 percent of the population utilizes clean cooking energy by 2034, addressing the challenges related to cost, accessibility, and public awareness remains essential for a successful transition.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
