The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), has stepped up efforts to promote clean cooking energy by reaching out to meat roasters operating at Msalato livestock market in Dodoma City.
The campaign, which started at Msalato, is part of a wider national initiative aimed at encouraging small business operators to shift from traditional use of firewood and charcoal to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources such as gas and improved cookstoves.
Speaking during the awareness session, a clean cooking energy expert from the Ministry of Energy’s Clean Cooking Unit, Geologist Deo Alex, said the government is committed to ensuring that citizens understand the benefits of using clean energy in their daily economic activities.
He said clean cooking technologies are not only environmentally friendly but also improve efficiency, reduce production costs in the long run, and help protect the health of users.
“Many people are still using firewood and charcoal without realizing the long-term impact. Clean cooking energy reduces environmental destruction and protects users from harmful smoke that causes respiratory diseases,” he said.
He added that continued dependence on firewood contributes to deforestation and environmental degradation, which threatens future generations if not addressed.
Mr. Alex further noted that the government, together with its partners, is working on strategies to make clean cooking energy more available and affordable, especially for small-scale entrepreneurs who depend on it for their livelihoods.
“We are ensuring that clean energy solutions reach wananchi at a reasonable cost so that even small business owners can transition without being left behind,” he emphasized.
One of the meat vendors at Msalato, Masumbuko Daudi, said the awareness campaign had helped them better understand the importance of shifting to clean energy, despite challenges related to initial investment costs.
He said many traders are now more willing to adopt safer cooking methods for the benefit of their health and business sustainability.
“We have learned a lot today. The challenge is cost, but we now understand the risks of continuing to use charcoal and firewood. We are ready to start changing gradually,” he said.
Other traders and residents who attended the campaign appreciated the Ministry of Energy and UNCDF for bringing education directly to them, saying it will help accelerate the adoption of clean cooking solutions in their communities.
The campaign is part of the government’s broader agenda to promote clean cooking energy across the country, with the aim of protecting the environment, improving public health, and supporting sustainable economic activities for Tanzanians.
