Clean Cooking Energy: Mbeya Residents Call for Grassroots Education and Support
Residents of Mbeya District are demanding more comprehensive education and community involvement in the transition to clean cooking energy. The National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy (2024–2034) aims to launch awareness programs by June 2025, but local voices suggest current efforts are falling short.
Community members argue that information about clean cooking technologies remains limited, with most residents learning through media rather than direct community engagement. Local innovators are already developing alternative solutions, such as charcoal made from plant residues and biodegradable waste, but face significant adoption challenges.
At Mbeya Kijana Wajibika (Mbekiwa), a community-owned factory, producers are creating alternative charcoal that can cook meals for a family of three for an entire day. However, the group’s chairman notes that economic barriers and limited awareness hinder widespread adoption.
Local schools are emerging as potential change agents. Mbeya Day Secondary School is not only transitioning to clean cooking energy but also plans to generate biogas. The school’s leadership believes students can become ambassadors, spreading awareness about clean cooking technologies within their families.
City council representatives acknowledge the challenges, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the transition. They are providing 10 percent loans to community groups producing alternative charcoal and energy-efficient stoves, while running educational programs to encourage household-level change.
The key challenges remain clear: high equipment costs, limited awareness, and the need for comprehensive community education. As Tanzania moves forward, bridging the gap between policy and practice will be crucial in achieving widespread clean cooking energy adoption.
Experts suggest that government support, including subsidies and targeted education programs, could accelerate the transition and help protect both public health and the environment.
