Energy and socio-economic profile of a small rural community in the highlands of central Tanzania: A case study

In this study, the energy and socio-economic profile of Ihanzutwa, a remote and small rural village in the Iringa Region of Tanzania, was assessed in order to provide data for development assistance and gain insight into the relationship between energy consumption and level of development. Twenty households representing over 10% of the village's households were surveyed and characteristics of firewood used as main energy source were determined. Results showed that this was a community based on subsistence agriculture, with a low level of development and low consumption of fuels; it was found that all families used firewood and kerosene for cooking and lighting, respectively; 11% also used charcoal. Characteristics of the preferred firewood, which was identified as dead wood from Brachystegia spiciformis and Brachystegia utilis were: 829 kg/m3 mass density, 274 kg/m3 bulk density, 17% equilibrium moisture and 20 MJ/kg higher heating value (0% moisture). From the fuel mix of the surveyed households, the domestic energy consumption per capita was determined at 4487 MJ per year (87% firewood, 9% charcoal, 4% kerosene, energy basis). The forest area required for firewood collection was estimated at 2% of the available forest area. Most charcoal produced in this rural area is for trading. In contrast to firewood, the wood used for charcoal comes from trees that are cut down. According to our approach, the annual charcoal production in Ihanzutwa might require over 2% of the forest area.

► An energy and socioeconomic survey was carried out in a remote village of Tanzania.
► Characteristics of the preferred fuelwood were determined.
► It was found that most charcoal produced in the study area was for trading.
► Domestic energy consumption per capita was estimated at 4,487 MJ/year.
► Forest area for firewood was estimated at about 2% of the available forest area.