Gairo DC advocates for environmentally-friendly stoves

MOROGORO: GAIRO District Commissioner Jabir Makame has acknowledged that the innovative cookstoves showcased by the Rural Energy Agency (REA) at the ongoing Samia Kilimo Biashara Expo 2024 are affordable, environmentally friendly, durable and safe for users’ health.

Speaking over the weekend, Mr Makame emphasized the health and environmental benefits of the stoves, urging residents to adopt these innovative cookstoves to improve both their health and environmental conservation efforts.

“These innovative cookstoves are user-friendly, safe for health and affordable. I encourage everyone to use them as they contribute to better health and environmental protection,” he said.

The DC also highlighted that the use of these cookstoves represents a significant step towards environmental conservation through the Clean Cooking Energy Initiative, spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The initiative aims to reduce reliance on traditional cooking methods, which contribute to deforestation and increased carbon emissions, accelerating climate change.

Mr Makame also discussed the implementation of the ‘Urithi wa Kijani’ (Green Heritage) campaign, which addresses the challenges of climate change, particularly in the agriculture and livestock sectors.

This campaign is crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring sustainable land use for future generations.

Various stakeholders are involved in this initiative, including environmental organisations, gas companies and manufacturers of alternative charcoal, such as State Mining Corporation (STAMICO).

The Vice-President’s Office, Ministry of Energy and other key government agencies are also actively participating in the expo to promote sustainable energy solutions.

REA Engineer Deusdedith Malulu added that the stoves are highly efficient and consume minimal charcoal, reducing environmental impact.

“These stoves are designed to prevent the emission of harmful carbon monoxide, making them safer for users and the environment,” he explained.

Through the expo, residents of Gairo have already started receiving the innovative cookstoves, with REA distributing 790 units as part of its efforts to promote clean cooking energy in Tanzania, Mr Malulu added.

He said the introduction of these innovative cookstoves is a significant step toward reducing deforestation, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving public health.

ALSO READ: Speaker Tulia advocates clean energy adoption for food vendors

By adopting these stoves, communities can play a vital role in combating climate change while enjoying cleaner, healthier cooking solutions.

Recently, President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched a ‘National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy’ in an apparent effort to deliberately protect and preserve the precious environment.

Dr Samia emphasised that the decade-long (2024-2034) strategy will provide national guidance for all stakeholders to ensure the country achieves its 2030 clean cooking energy target.

The National Environment Management Council (NEMC), the environment watchdog authority, welcomed the initiative.

However, the president urged the private sector to increase investment in and accessibility of clean cooking energy across the country.

“We need simple technologies that will enable citizens to access clean energy according to their capabilities and pay according to their usage,” she said, adding: “Our development vision cannot be realised if 90 per cent of our compatriots still rely on environmentally unfriendly energy sources for cooking.”

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa stated that the new strategy will be a vital tool in fostering collective and inclusive efforts to achieve environmental conservation goals.

Government records estimate that approximately 469,000 hectares of forests are lost each year, with firewood and charcoal being major contributors to such deforestation.

The government believes that the general public must also be responsible by changing their perceptions regarding clean energy, such as gas usage.

Misconceptions include the belief that food cooked on gas stoves tastes different.