Improving energy resillience in Tanzania

Abstract

Agriculture is the mainstay Tanzania’s economy and currently accounts for 90% of rural incomes. It contributes 50% of the GDP and accounts for 80% of rural employment. State efforts to exploit the country’s irrigation potential are minimal due to difficulties in tapping surface and ground water. The country relies on rain fed agriculture, which is prone to weather abnormalities The energy sector is heavily dependent on wood biomass as its fuel source. Electricity provision is not considered to be a development priority especially in rural areas. Studies have shown that even with rural electrification the impact on income-generating activities among users would remain low. Even if electricity was to be supplied on a 24-hour basis, it is unlikely that there would be a change in usage levels; the predominate reason being that the rural poor do not have the tools and knowledge necessary for effective use. Rural ecodevelopment is then not just a question of addressing poverty but also about facilitating access to education, necessary social services etc. Effective rural development is about helping people overcome their poverty. The provision of energy services therefore has to be implemented through an interdisciplinary process. Extension of the national grid is the preferred option for most end-users. However as this option is currently unrealistic other alternatives have to be utilised. In general, individual PV systems are most suitable for scattered settlements and can meet the needs for lighting and low-load service oriented businesses in rural population centres