This dependence has led to severe deforestation and increased safety risks for women and children who are forced to walk long distances in search of firewood
Kigoma. In Kigoma region, where thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and other countries have been granted shelter, a major challenge has been the heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal for cooking.
This dependence has led to severe deforestation and increased safety risks for women and children who are forced to walk long distances in search of firewood.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), by July 2025, Tanzania was hosting 190,809 refugees, most of whom are accommodated in Nyarugusu and Nduta camps.
The large population has driven a significant demand for cooking energy, with firewood remaining the primary source.
Why clean energy?
A 2017 study conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with Denmark Technical University (DTU) found that 85 percent of refugees in sub-Saharan Africa could not afford clean cooking energy.
In Nyarugusu Camp, refugees spend an average of 19 hours per week collecting firewood and over six hours a day cooking. “Switching to gas or electricity would reduce this time to just two hours, increasing efficiency and reducing health and safety risks,” the study noted.
UNHCR and partner initiatives
To reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, UNHCR, in partnership with various organizations, has launched awareness campaigns and distributed environmentally friendly cooking technologies.
Godfrey Mchunguzi, UNHCR’s Environmental Officer in Kigoma, said more than 2,000 improved cookstoves have been distributed, 1,400 to refugees and 600 to residents of neighbouring villages.
“These stoves use very little firewood, only one load is enough to cook a complete meal. This reduces household costs while protecting forests,” he explained.
Additionally he said the agency has installed solar-powered systems to run electric pressure cookers at hospitals and health centers within the camps.
“In Nyarugusu, these systems are used to cook beans at the main hospital and health facilities, reducing dependence on firewood and gas” he explained.
Long-term plans
Through the National Strategy for the Use of Clean Cooking Energy (2024–2034), the government aims to ensure that at least 80 percent of households use clean energy by 2034.
Kigoma has been prioritized due to its large refugee population and the environmental degradation challenges.
In May 2025, UNHCR, UNEP, and the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment) launched a five-year project valued at USD 19 million (approximately Sh50 billion) to build climate resilience in Kigoma. Part of the project focuses on improving access to clean energy and educating communities about improved cookstoves and alternative charcoal.
Challenges ahead
Despite these efforts, sustainable funding remains a major challenge. Some projects have been short-lived due to delays from international donors, threatening the continuity of long-term environmental protection and clean energy initiatives.
Experts emphasize the need for greater collaboration among the government, private sector, and development partners to increase investment in clean energy projects.
By doing so, refugee and host communities in Kigoma will be able to reduce their reliance on firewood and charcoal, protect forests, and improve the safety of women and children who carry the heavy burden of collecting and using traditional cooking fuels.
This story is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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