Tanzania’s Clean Cooking Energy Revolution: Transforming Health and Environment
Tanzania is taking bold steps to address the critical challenges posed by unsafe cooking energy sources, particularly firewood and charcoal, which have devastating impacts on health, environment, and social development.
The government has launched a comprehensive National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024–2034), with an ambitious goal of ensuring 80 percent of Tanzanians will use clean cooking energy by 2034. Current statistics reveal a stark reality: approximately 90 percent of households still rely on traditional biomass fuels, with 63.5 percent using firewood and 26.2 percent using charcoal.
The consequences of these unsafe cooking methods are profound. Approximately 33,000 Tanzanians die annually from respiratory illnesses caused by indoor air pollution. Women and children under five are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks of chronic health conditions including pneumonia, asthma, and lung cancer.
Environmental impacts are equally severe. Each year, nearly 469,420 hectares of forest are destroyed, contributing to land degradation and pushing approximately 16 percent of the country’s land toward desertification.
Beyond health and environmental concerns, traditional cooking methods significantly impact social and economic development. Women and children spend an average of six hours daily collecting firewood, time that could be invested in education, income-generating activities, and personal development.
The strategy aligns with global sustainable development goals, emphasizing renewable energy sources and climate action. By transitioning to clean cooking energy, Tanzania aims to protect public health, preserve its natural resources, and create new economic opportunities.
As the country moves forward, collaboration between government, private sector, and communities will be crucial in implementing this transformative clean energy initiative.
