A Review of Biomass Energy Dependency in Tanzania

This paper presents a review of biomass energy dependency in Tanzania. The study was conducted based on the available literature on energy and biomass in Tanzania. Energy is essential to meet the most basic needs: cooking, boiling water, lighting, and heating. It is also a prerequisite for good health, a reality that has been largely ignored by the world community. More than 80% of Tanzanians depend on biomass as a source of energy by burning firewood, dung, and other traditional fuels. Biomass use accounts for over 90% of total energy consumption. In recent years biomass energy activities mainly firewood wood and charcoal have increased dramatically and the rapid population growth of both urban and rural areas, however, has placed severe strain on the biomass resources, which has led to desertification and deforestation of some areas. This paper reveals that one way of economizing on firewood and charcoal use is to improve their production methods and the use of energy efficient stoves. In addition, the use of alternative energy sources such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and biogas reduces the frequent use of firewood and charcoal and consequently the burden on the forest resources.