Challenges remain as household incomes are low, upfront costs are high and rural areas still lack proper distribution networks
Lindi. Access to affordable clean cooking energy remains a government priority under its subsidy programme, which aims to help households shift from firewood and charcoal.
According to the National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy (2024–2034), the second objective is to increase the availability and accessibility of affordable, sustainable, and reliable solutions.
This includes strengthening supply chains, ensuring the availability of raw materials, and easing household acquisition.
In Lindi Region, progress has begun gradually, with public institutions and private partners working to make gas cylinders and improved cook-stoves more affordable.
Yet challenges remain. Household incomes are low, upfront costs are high, and rural areas still lack proper distribution networks.
Government’s efforts
Lindi District Executive Director, Hudhaifa Rashidi, said the campaign to discourage firewood and charcoal use has been ongoing for years, supported by community meetings and education.
“We provide continuous education and hold meetings with district leaders to ensure everyone understands the benefits of clean energy,” he said.
He noted that the government and partners have started a programme to provide improved cook-stoves at Sh9,000 and gas cylinders at Sh19,000 before year-end.
Current market rates exceed Sh25,000 for cook-stoves and Sh40,000 for cylinders.
He added that even after the introduction of subsidies, access will be sustained through revenues from cash crops such as cashew nuts and sesame, ensuring households continue obtaining affordable clean energy.
“We have begun to see progress. Institutions such as regional prisons and several secondary schools are already using clean energy. We have agreed with the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to provide improved stoves and gas cylinders at reduced prices.
Together with organisations such as the Tanzania Traditional Energy Development Organisation (Tatedo) and the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf), we also provide education on proper use,” said Mr Rashidi.
He added that roads built by the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) have eased distribution, allowing cylinders to reach remote villages.
“We have already started supplying cylinders to people in peripheral areas. With strong collaboration between leaders and citizens, we believe Lindi can achieve 100 percent clean energy usage,” he said.
Voices from the community
Despite efforts, many residents still depend on firewood and charcoal. For them, affordability and access remain major obstacles.
A cassava chips vendor from Mtuleni, Ms Mariamu Juma, said her daily income cannot sustain gas use.
“I buy bundles of firewood for Sh2,000 daily, but refilling a small cylinder costs over Sh25,000, while purchasing one costs more than Sh40,000. I simply cannot afford it, even though I know firewood is harmful,” she said.
She urged the government to cut costs further and expand refilling points.
“We are aware of the health impacts, but our incomes are too low. If subsidies expanded, more of us would adopt clean energy,” she added.
Another resident, Mr Abdalla Saidi, said men must also be educated on clean energy.
“When a man, as head of the family, understands its value, the whole family follows. The government should also target remote areas where knowledge is limited,” he said.
Mr Saidi, who supports seven dependants, admitted that firewood collection largely falls on his wife and older children.
“Sometimes I join them, but this responsibility mostly rests with the mother,” he said.
Health and environmental concerns
Local experts stress that reliance on firewood and charcoal carries severe consequences.
Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation in Lindi Municipality, acting officer, Mr Maajabu Mkungu, said smoke damages both health and the environment.
“Smoke carries harmful toxins that cause eye irritation, respiratory problems, and environmental degradation. I urge people to adopt gas or improved stoves to protect health and surroundings,” he said.
Sabasaba Ward Chairperson, Ms Elizabeth Michenje, echoed the concern. “In my ward, very few residents use gas.”
“The majority still depend on firewood and charcoal. Despite our efforts to educate them, affordability remains the biggest challenge. We appeal to the government to continue supplying subsidised cylinders,” she added.
Medical professionals also warn of serious health risks.
Medical Officer in Charge at Sokoine Hospital, Dr Alexander Makalla, said smoke from traditional fuels is directly linked to disease.
“Prolonged exposure causes asthma and even lung cancer. For their own health, residents must abandon dirty fuels and embrace clean energy,” he said.
Expert recommendations
Experts argue that without decisive action, Lindi risks lagging behind the national plan.
They recommend closer government–private sector collaboration to reduce upfront costs through subsidies and affordable credit.
“A pay-as-you-go system could enable families to start using gas or electric stoves without paying large sums at once,” one expert suggested.
They also stressed the need for education campaigns to dispel myths about gas safety and promote its benefits.
The role of natural gas
Ironically, Lindi holds vast natural gas reserves, yet locals benefit little. Analysts say the resource’s impact should be felt more directly.
The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has connected more than 200 households in Mnazi Mmoja and plans to link another 473.
But the programme is limited to urban areas and must extend to rural communities.
The way forward
For Lindi to meet the national target of 80 percent clean cooking access by 2034, policies, infrastructure, subsidies, credit schemes, and education will be essential.
As community leader Michenje stressed: “Without these measures, dependence on firewood and charcoal will continue undermining health, environment, and economic growth in this region.”
