PROVISION OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACCESS TO SOCIAL SERVICES INSTITUTIONS OF RURAL TANZANIA – WOOD STOVES
Location(s)
Kibaha Region, Tanzania
Total Funds Disbursed
US $ 73,500 (The aggregate for efficient wood stoves, solar power and lighting project components)
Total Beneficiaries
Approximately 13,588 people (The aggregate for efficient wood stoves, solar power and lighting project components)
Local Partner / Organization
Alternative Energy Tanzania Ltd.
Project Description
Lack of access to modern, affordable and reliable energy services and the interrelated negative social and economic impacts for the majority of the population are the main drivers behind the program in Tanzania. 90% of the total energy used in Tanzania is produced from wood fuel and charcoal. 80% of this is consumed in rural areas. Access to electricity in urban areas is 39%, and in rural areas the level of access is only 2%.
This project targets the social services sector, specifically hospitals/medical clinics, schools, and community care centers (orphanages) where energy needs exist, but where there is little or no economic capacity to address these needs. Addressing the energy poverty needs of the social services sector, will directly help improve the range, availability and quality of the social services offered, while at the same time benefitting community health and the environment. It will also extend the provision of services after sunset and will realize a significant reduction in operating costs, freeing up funds and time to focus on the community support each institution provides.
Targeting improvements in well-known community institutions will provide tangible examples of the technology and how it works; the intention is to encourage change at the household level throughout the community.
Positive Impact
The project saw the construction of improved wood stoves at two primary schools, one teacher’s residence, and one orphanage, decreasing wood consumption by 50%. Other benefits include decreasing cooking time, enabling students assigned to this chore to remain in class, and environmental impacts as frequency of firewood gathering/cutting and burning will be reduced.
