Hassan Magulumali
Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy has intensified efforts to promote clean cooking energy, reaching women participating in the National Forum for Rural Women in Kilolo District, Iringa Region, with education on the health and environmental benefits of adopting cleaner cooking technologies.
The initiative aims to increase public awareness of the importance of transitioning from traditional cooking fuels, particularly firewood and conventional charcoal, to cleaner alternatives that can reduce household air pollution and help protect the environment.
Speaking during the forum, Nsajigwa Mwambumbuli, a geologist from the Ministry of Energy, said clean cooking should be prioritised in households, particularly in rural communities where dependence on traditional fuels remains a challenge.
He encouraged residents of Kilolo to choose clean cooking solutions available in their areas, including alternative charcoal and other suitable cooking technologies, to make the transition more practical and accessible for households.
Mwambumbuli emphasised that adopting cleaner cooking options could contribute to environmental conservation while reducing exposure to smoke associated with traditional cooking methods.
Household air pollution from burning solid fuels can contribute to respiratory and other health problems, particularly among women and children who often spend considerable time near cooking areas. Reducing reliance on firewood can also help ease pressure on forests and other natural resources.
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Meanwhile, Saida Mgeni, Head of the Community Development Unit in the Iringa Regional Commissioner’s Office, urged rural women to move away from excessive dependence on firewood and charcoal and embrace clean cooking alternatives.
She also encouraged women to participate in local empowerment groups, highlighting the importance of adapting to cleaner energy technologies while pursuing opportunities for social and economic development.
Access to suitable cooking energy can help reduce the time spent collecting firewood, allowing women to devote more time to income-generating activities, education and participation in community development programmes. However, affordability, availability and awareness remain important factors in encouraging households to adopt cleaner alternatives.
The government’s clean cooking campaign forms part of broader efforts to improve public health, conserve forests and promote sustainable energy use across the country, particularly in rural areas where access to modern energy solutions can be limited.
The National Forum for Rural Women is being held under the theme, “Rural Women: A Productive Force, a Catalyst for Well-being and National Development Towards Vision 2050.”
The forum provides a platform to discuss the contribution of rural women to Tanzania’s economic and social development, while promoting initiatives intended to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their participation in national development.
