In Tanzania, amidst the sprawling beauty of its landscapes and the vibrancy of its culture, a pressing issue of clean cooking energy affordability emerged at the forefront of public discourse.

In Tanzania, amidst the sprawling beauty of its landscapes and the vibrancy of its culture, a pressing issue of clean cooking energy affordability emerged at the forefront of public discourse. The government’s push for renewable energy adoption juxtaposed with the stark reality of affordability challenges faced by its citizens, especially in rural areas.

As the nation strives to embrace sustainable practices and mitigate environmental degradation, the promotion of renewable energy sources stands as a beacon of hope for a cleaner and greener future. However, this controversy lies between government aspirations for environmental stewardship and the practicalities of the everyday life of Tanzanian citizens.

While clean energy holds promise for alleviating the detrimental effects of local energy sources on the environment and public health, its implementation has inadvertently widened the gap between policy objectives and socio-economic realities. According to the Ministry of Energy, out of the total energy produced in Tanzania, 65% is firewood, 26.2% is charcoal and the remaining 8.8 % is a combination of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), electricity and other sources.

The environmental impacts of the use of the use of the major sources of energy are accelerating the current global crisis, climate change, through remotely enhanced practices. The health sector cannot overlook the impacts of dirty energy use for working where it is estimated that Tanzania alone reports at least 33,000 deaths due to the use of charcoal, firewood and crop residues for cooking. This dissonance underscores a fundamental tension between the imperative for progress and the imperative for environmental equity. A tension that demands careful examination and thoughtful resolutions.

Tanzania is experiencing significant energy challenges rooted in its reliance on local sources of energy such as biomass and fossil fuels. Particularly in rural areas where households rely on inefficient cooking methods. In response, the government has embarked on a commendable journey towards promoting renewable energy solutions to mitigate these pressing concerns since the Clean Cooking Conference held in Dar es Salaam on November 1-2, 2022. Initiatives ranging from solar and wind power to biogas and hydroelectric have been championed as a way towards sustainability and clean energy independence through two strategies proposed by H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan;

1. Formulating a clean cooking committee that comprises government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), researchers and international stakeholders to craft a 10-year clean cooking strategy.

2. Promoting philanthropy to obtain a clean cooking fund: The government leading by example has set 500 million Tanzania Shilling and emphasizes the private sector and developmental partners to contribute to the fund.

However, the cost associated with installation and infrastructure development presents formidable barriers for many Tanzanian citizens, particularly those in marginalized communities. According to the statistics provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, more than 80% of people living in rural and peri-urban areas depend on charcoal and firewood as their main sources of energy. There’s an urgent need for inclusive policies and targeted interventions to ensure the benefits of renewable energy are accessible to all regardless of socio-economic status.

The promotion of renewable energy in Tanzania involves various stakeholders with distinct roles and perspectives. The government leads movements to enhance renewable energy security and combat climate change, while energy companies seek market opportunities and innovation.

Environmental organizations advocate for clean cooking energy, emphasizing its benefits for sustainability. Even though the primary communities affected are rural and underserved, the government and stakeholders equitably share the resources to ensure the availability of renewable energy at an affordable price.

The struggles with access to reliable clean energy, impacting livelihood, education and healthcare will be silenced by adequate knowledge to address the diverse needs of these communities. The controversy surrounding the promotion of renewable energy in Tanzania stems from a complex interplay of economic, social and environmental factors. Its score tensions the government’s ambitious sustainability goals and the practical challenges faced by the citizens, particularly those in rural and low-income individuals.

 The affordability of renewable energy technologies requires solutions that offer long-term benefits such as reduced environmental impact and lower operating costs. The upfront investment often proves prohibitive for many Tanzanians but due to benefits the adoption of renewable energy is of paramount importance. Limited access to financing options that further exacerbate this barrier, preventing widespread adoption of renewable energy systems should be cabbed.

Moreover, the disparity in infrastructure development fosters the divide between urban and rural communities. While urban centers may have better access to renewable resources and support services, rural areas often lack the necessary infrastructure for implementation, hindering progress towards renewable energy transition.

Additionally, the an existing gap in public awareness and education regarding renewable energy technologies. People are unaware of the benefits and opportunities associated with clean energy leading to skepticism to embrace the change.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that combines targeted policies, financial incentives and community engagement efforts to ensure equitable access to renewable energy resources and foster a culture of sustainability. To mitigate the challenges posed by the affordability barrier in Tanzania’s renewable energy sector, several potential solutions emerge.

Firstly, the government should enact targeted subsidies or financial incentives to alleviate costs associated with renewable energy technologies, particularly for low-income households.

Secondly, fostering community-based initiatives through partnerships with local organizations could empower communities to establish their renewable energy projects to promote sustainability. Finally, public awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of sustainability. Educating citizens about the benefits of renewable energy and available support mechanisms, thereby encouraging widespread adoption of clean energy technologies.

In conclusion, addressing the challenges such as the affordability barrier in Tanzania’s renewable energy transitions require concentrated efforts and innovative solutions. By prioritizing inclusive policies, community engagement and public awareness, Tanzania can bridge the gap between sustainability goals and socio-economic realities, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable energy future. By Innocent James Matekere, Modern Diplomacy