The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) is representing Tanzania at the International Sustainable Woodfuel Forum taking place in Lusaka, Zambia, where countries are exchanging experience on sustainable energy, forest management, and the future of wood-based energy use.
The forum has brought together experts and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond under the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme (DSL-IP), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Government of Zambia.
Speaking at the forum, Chief Conservator of Forests at TFS, Kassim Ally, said Tanzania is implementing strong national strategies to reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal while promoting clean cooking energy across the country.
He said the initiative supports the government’s long-term goal under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034.
According to him, Tanzania is advancing this agenda through policy reforms, investment in alternative energy sources, and public awareness campaigns aimed at changing household energy use habits.
He noted that reducing reliance on traditional biomass energy will help protect forests, reduce environmental degradation, and improve public health by lowering exposure to smoke-related diseases in households.
Ally said TFS is participating in the forum through the Integrated Landscape Management in Dry Miombo Woodlands of Tanzania project, which focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems and protecting biodiversity.
The project is being implemented in selected areas of the Miombo woodlands, including Kaliua, Sikonge and Urambo districts in Tabora Region, as well as Mlele District in Katavi Region.
He explained that the project promotes participatory forest management, where local communities are directly involved in protecting forests while also benefiting economically from sustainable use of natural resources.
“This approach ensures that conservation goes hand in hand with improving people’s livelihoods,” he said, adding that community involvement is key to long-term forest sustainability.
The forum has attracted participants from countries within the Miombo–Mopane ecological zone, who are discussing future demand for firewood and charcoal up to 2050 and its impact on economies and the environment.
Alongside discussions, TFS is also showcasing clean cooking technologies and alternative energy solutions aimed at reducing pressure on forests.
Officials say the forum provides an important platform for strengthening international cooperation and accelerating the transition towards sustainable and cleaner energy use across the region.
