By Charles Mkoka
The Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, has announced that the Tanzanian government is preparing a comprehensive strategy to promote clean cooking energy, with the goal of safeguarding the environment and improving the quality of life for millions of Tanzanians.
Speaking on the PIKA KISASA program, initiated by the Ministry of Energy, Ambassador Chana highlighted that the government is creating a favorable environment for clean cooking energy adoption. The newly outlined strategy is a ten-year plan aimed at ensuring 80% of Tanzanians will be using clean cooking energy by 2034.
Dr. Chana emphasized the significance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources to protect Tanzania’s vast forest cover, which currently extends over 48% of the country’s land area. She pointed out that deforestation, driven by the widespread use of charcoal and firewood for cooking, threatens the country’s environment and rainfall patterns.
“With a population of 61 million, soon to reach 62 million, it’s only a matter of time before we devastate our environment if we don’t abandon charcoal and firewood,” Dr. Chana warned. "We need these forests, and clean cooking energy is essential to preserving them."
She also called on the public to embrace the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, urging Tanzanians to move away from traditional, unclean cooking energy sources and embrace modern alternatives that are both eco-friendly and sustainable.
The government’s clean cooking energy initiative is expected to play a crucial role in curbing deforestation, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing public health through reduced exposure to harmful cooking emissions.