TZLPGA, in collaboration with the Bagamoyo District Council, conducted a seminar involving charcoal Producers and Distributors to raise awareness on environmental degradation, explore alternative business opportunities, and promote the transition to clean cooking solutions.
According to recent research conducted by TZLPGA, 38% of the charcoal supplied to Dar es Salaam originates from Coastal Forests. The findings highlight the urgent need to accelerate the transition to clean cooking, particularly in areas where charcoal production and distribution are contributing significantly to environmental degradation and pressure on forest resources.
The Government emphasized the importance of clean cooking as a strategy to protect public health, conserve the environment, reduce pressure on forests, and support sustainable social and economic development.
Participants expressed strong interest in LPG business opportunities and called for stronger collaboration between the Government and LPG industry players to make LPG more accessible and affordable.
Key recommendations included:
a) Reducing LPG prices to make clean cooking more affordable, particularly for low-income households.
b) Strengthening LPG distribution networks, especially in rural and underserved areas, to improve accessibility.
c) Exploring subsidies and other supportive mechanisms to accelerate household adoption of clean cooking solutions.
d) Increasing public awareness on the safe use of LPG, and
e) The Government, through Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), should develop and implement a clear and coordinated strategy for managing charcoal production and forest resources that is well aligned with the National Clean Cooking Strategy.
The discussions demonstrated that achieving a clean cooking transition requires bringing together Government institutions, the private sector, communities, and other stakeholders to address affordability, accessibility, awareness, and environmental sustainability.
