edit this page Integrated Renewable Energy Development And Environment Conservation (IREDEC), Tanzania
Prepared by TaTEDO Tanzania, for SPARKNET
The IREDEC project has been implemented in five regions of Tanzania which have been found to be among those with energy access problems.
During the period July 1999 to June 2003, TaTEDO has implemented a project on Integrated Renewable Energy Development and Environment Conservation (IREDEC), renewable energy technologies and environmentally sound practices were promoted in five regions of Tanzania. The programme was implemented in collaboration with local partners from Dar es Salaam, Coast, Mwanza, Shinyanga and Kilimanjaro regions and was financially supported by HIVOS/EU, NORAD and TaTEDO own raised funds.
Total funds from donors and own sources for the implementation of the project amounted to USD 670,000.
The main goal of the project was to contribute to sustainable livelihoods by intensifying access to improved, affordable and sustainable energy services for the majority of the target groups, particularly the poor in the urban and rural areas of the project regions.
The following were the specific objectives for achieving the projects goal: - To promote efficient household energy technologies and improve kitchen management practices in rural and urban areas.
- To help protect the environment and contribute to climate change mitigation by promoting tree growing and improved charcoal production techniques.
- To build TaTEDO capacity to provide technical assistance in renewable energy (PV systems) and information networking.
- To strengthen core support by maintaining office facilities and technical personnel for implementing programme activities.
[top] [end]Impacts Of The Project The immediate impacts observed from the project included contributions to SME development and poverty reduction, environmental conservation as well as improved health and social services. These project benefits are discussed below.
[top] [end]Contribution To SME Development And Poverty Reduction The project has created 100 renewable energy related SMEs. This implies that the program had spill over benefits including the creation or diversification of (new) sources of income and employment, thereby contributing to poverty reduction. In Dar es Salaam for instance over 300 artisans are producing improved charcoal stoves. The artisans have production capacity of 8,500 stoves per month equivalent to Tshs. 21.250, million which is equvalent to USD 21,000.
About 40% of households in Dar es Salaam (equivalent to 240,000 households) (the programme had built on a pilot project initiated by the Ministry of energy which ended in 1992, otherwise most of the households using improved stoves are a result of TaTEDO programme activities) use improved charcoal stoves. Each household attains an annual monetary saving of Tshs. 71,000. Therefore in Dar es Salaam alone, a total monetary saving by using the improved charcoal stoves amounts to Tshs. 17 billion per year.
Reduced women's and children's workload due to fuel gathering, thereby affording them more time for other productive work such as involvement in SMEs, spare time for study for school going children and the carrying out of social obligations.
Solar PV systems also have significant impact on the monetary savings. One solar PV system for community centre installed in Dar es Salaam saved a total of Tshs.1.8 millions (USD 1600) per year of fuel alone, it is a large community, the system replaced the use of kerosene.
For example, improved charcoal production technology imparted to charcoal makers improved their production from 20bags to 30 bags per charcoal maker per month ,this is a result of efficiency improvement, thus fewer trees are cut, since the number of the charcoal makers who were reached by the programme is still small, there was no effect on the price This implies that their income has been raised by about 50%.
[top] [end]Environment Conservation An estimated 240,000 households(see explanation from 1 above) that use improved charcoal stoves in Dar es Salaam save an estimated 91 million trees per year (equivalent to 56,800 ha. of normal miombo woodlands), which is beneficial for the environment. A total of 150 charcoal makers, who have been trained on improved charcoal production technology, contribute to conservation and collectively conserve about 1,080 ha. per year. Significant tree planting has also been effected in the programme areas. A total of 31,000 trees of various species (equivalent to 19.4 ha) have been planted in the field. This has increased afforestation, and subsequent carbon dioxide sequestrated in the atmosphere.
[top] [end]Improved Health Condition And Other Social Services The project has improved social services and quality of life through provision of better lighting in the rural health centres and households, and reduction of indoor pollution. The households, business enterprises, schools and other social centers that received solar technologies managed to extend working hours. They were also able to power equipment like TVs, radios and mobile phones and hence improve access to information and levels of communication. The use of improved charcoal and wood stoves as well as solar PV technologies may imply reduced incidences of respiratory disease due to reduced indoor pollution. Health centers powered with solar PV systems managed to offer better service.
[top] [end]Challenges Encountered During The Implementation Of The Project While in some project areas the adoption rate of renewable energy technologies and services has been promising, a number of challenges have been observed to still hinder large-scale adoption of renewable energy technologies and services. These include: - Low level of awareness of technologies and their benefits in some areas and levels of community that leads into low demand of improved renewable energy services
- Inadequate knowledge and skills in renewable energy technologies development
- Few local entrepreneurs with relevant skills to start-up energy-related business
- Inadequate credit support both on the end-users and suppliers side
- Limited availability of rural institutions capable of implementing sustainable energy projects and lending in rural energy enterprises
- Potential of making profit in rural areas is low, thereby causing reluctance to invest in rural renewable energy related enterprises
- Inefficient capacity to undertake maintenance and after sales services
- Some entrepreneurs produce low quality products similar to improved stoves that discourage demand (low durability due to the use of inferior metal sheets and clay liner, artisans cannot afford quality materials)
- Inadequate capacity to implement supportive policy and regulatory framework
- Inappropriateness of some renewable energy technologies (solar PV cannot be used for cooking, which is a major energy consumer)
- Social and cultural limitations (stoves construction and use in some rural areas is attached with some believes which hinders their adoption and use)
[top] [end]Recommendations For Follow-Up In the light of the above challenges, it is recommended that the proposed new projects should address the challenges to contribute to increased uptake and usage of renewable energy technologies and services. This can be done through; - Awareness creation among potential users on RETs and services through strong partnership and networking
- Create awareness among financial institutions on the potential of RETs and services enterprises.
- Training suppliers and business persons on RETs and related business skills
- Enable renewable energy-related SMEs and individuals to develop and manage business-related data and information (book keeping, production and sales data)
- Link energy related SMEs, individual users, suppliers and dealers particularly women to various financial institutions
- Lobby for effective local supportive policies and regulatory frameworks for RETs and services.
[top] [end]Summary Of Major Achievements Of The Programs Summary of major achievements of the programmes are as indicated below: [top] [end]Objective 1: Promote Efficient Household Energy Technologies And Improve Kitchen Management Practices In Rural And Urban Areas. [top] [end]Awareness creation: Workshops Five workshops on improved charcoal & woodstoves were conducted in the regions of Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Kilimanjaro. A total of 143 participants representing government officials, partners, target groups and private individuals attended the workshops.
Lessons learned - Workshops create awareness and experiences on issues of policy and strategic importance for development of efficient household energy technologies.
- Integration of improved stove activities with community development or income generation activities accelerates diffusion of the technologies.
- Low level of awareness by majority of people in rural and urban areas on the benefits of using improved woodfuel stoves and ovens hinder wide spread of technologies.
[top] [end]Awareness creation: Demonstrations A total of 76 demonstrations on improved stoves and ovens were conducted in rural and urban areas.
Lessons learned - Experiencing the benefits of improved stoves and ovens increases confidence of the population and hence contributed to wide dissemination.
[top] [end]Awareness creation: TV & Radio - 8 TV programmes on improved stoves and ovens being promoted by TaTEDO were prepared and screened.
- 6 Radio programmes on improved stoves and ovens promoted by TaTEDO prepared and aired
Lessons learned - Where applicable, televisions and radio coverage covers a large portion of the population in short time
[top] [end]Awareness creation: Promotional materials The following promotional materials for improved stoves and ovens were prepared, produced and distributed to the target groups: - 6500 brochures
- 500 posters
- 5000 leaflets
- 100 T-shirts
- 700 copies of newsletters
- 12 articles in local newspapers
Lessons learned - Promotional posters, brochures, leaflets, T-shirts and newsletters, are important in providing both information and awareness creation in the community
- Study on utilization of efficient bioenergy technologies through PRA approaches conducted in Coast Region
- 3 Rapid feasibility studies were conducted in the regions of Kilimanjaro, Coast and Shinyanga
Lessons learned - Participation of target groups at all levels of the project planning and implementation is crucial for the success of any interventions
- 3 Technical staff attended courses on bioenergy technologies.
- 130 metal artisans were trained on production of improved charcoal stoves in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Coast and Shinyanga.
- 12 local partners' personnel were trained on promotion of improved stoves.
- 90 women were trained on improved woodstoves and baking in Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Coast and Dar es salaam regions.
Lessons learned - Most of the target groups have inadequate accessibility to training opportunities on production of improved woodfuel stoves;
- There is inadequate capital base (investment and working capital) for most of small entrepreneurs;
- Target groups lack knowledge on business management ;
- There is inadequate credit services for small-scale energy enterprises such as improved stove production groups;
- Stove producers have limited working space for establishing small enterprises.
[top] [end]Adaptive research and development A total of 6 improved woodfuel stoves were developed and tested in collaboration with TIRDO
Lessons learned - Technology selection, adaptation and modification of efficient woodfuel stoves and ovens are crucial aspects in promoting these technologies in the communities.
- Different improved woodstoves designs have been introduced in the rural areas by different institutions. This is an opportunity that needs to be capitalized on as it may enhance acceptability.
[top] [end]Objective 2: Enhance The Environment And Mitigate Climate Change By Promoting Tree Growing And Improved Charcoal Production Techniques
[top] [end]Awareness creation: Workshops - 4 workshops with total of 118 participants were conducted in the regions of Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Shinyanga and Coast on nursery establishment and tree management and improved charcoal production. Participants were drawn from local regional government officials, institutions related to energy and environment conservation and target groups.
Lessons learned - There is inadequate awareness on the potential contribution of tree growing to poverty reduction and environmental conservation to the community.
- Conflicting ideas on the benefits that can be accrued from tree growing
- Low awareness on the improved wood energy technologies
- Lack of the extension services to the charcoal producers on the efficient charcoal production methods and tree harvesting techniques.
- Lack of enterprises development skills among charcoal producers lead poor negotiation capability thereby making them earning less money as compared to charcoal dealers.
- Low income to most rural population contributes significantly to resources degradation.
[top] [end]Awareness creation: Demonstrations - A total of 12 demonstrations on tree nursery establishment and improved charcoal productions were carried out.
Lessons learned - Experiencing working renewable energy technologies increases confidence of the population and hence contributed to wide dissemination.
[top] [end]Awareness Creation: TV & Radio - 6 TV and 9 Radio programmes on tree growing and improved charcoal production were recorded and aired
Lessons learned - Through radio and TV programmes it is possible to reach large target groups.
[top] [end]Awareness Creation: Promotional materials TaTEDO prepared, produced and distributed the following promotional materials for RETs: - 3000 brochures
- 500 posters
- 200 T-shirts
- 4 news paper articles
Lessons learned - Promotional posters, brochures, leaflets, T-shirts and newsletters, are important in both information dissemination and awareness creation in the community
[top] [end]PRA and other studies - Feasibility studies through PRA approaches conducted in Ikwiriri and Kilimanjaro
- Desk review study on charcoal industry in Tanzania was conducted for the aim of organising and compiling data and information.
Lessons learned - Community needs differ significantly depending on the climatic conditions, cultural and social norms, economic status and geographical blocks. These differences influence adoption of the technologies. Therefore PRA studies are important tools in identifying community needs.
[top] [end]Capacity building: Training - 27 people trained in TOTs on improved charcoal production methods
- 91 charcoal makers were trained on improved charcoal production methods.
- 21 groups trained on tree growing and management
- 32 groups trained on tree nursery establishment
Lessons learned - Most tree vendors lack entrepreneurship skills thereby failing to get profit out of their tree nurseries;
- There is lack of reliable data on energy and environmental issues (poor planning of mitigation measures).
- Inadequate capacity and commitment to deal with environmental conservation;
- Lack of extension services to the farmers and charcoal producers contribute significantly to environmental degradation;
- Heterogeneity of tree grower needs, microclimate and economic conditions determine the willingness to tree growing;
- "Free access" to woodfuels is a disincentive to tree growing and proper forest resource management; and
- Lack of harvesting plans that could guide harvesting for charcoal production is a drawback to the forest resource management.
[top] [end]Objective 3: To Build Tatedo Capacity To Provide Technical Assistance In Renewable Energy (PV Systems) And Information Networking
[top] [end]Awareness creation: Workshops 6 Workshops were conducted on solar PV systems, in which 202 participants attended. The workshops were conducted in Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, and Kilimanjaro regions. In addition, some participants from Shinyanga, Arusha participated in the workshops conducted in Mwanza and Kilimanjaro regions respectively. Among others, participants constituted solar dealers, installers, system owners, policy makers, decision makers, media community, training institutions, CBOs, NGOs and development organizations. While in one of the workshops conducted in Dar es salaam, the Tanzania Solar Energy Association (TASEA) was formed, in one of the other workshops in each of the remaining regions; respective regional TASEA branches were formed.
One national solar drying technology stakeholders workshop was conducted in Dar es salaam and 31 participants attended. Participants came from Mwanza, Dar es salaam, Morogoro, Kilimanjaro and Kagera regions. The workshop constituted policy makers from MEM, MAFS and COSTECH, related training institutes and research centres, NGOs and media community.
Lessons learned - There exists low awareness in the target community on existence and potentials of solar technologies.
- Misinformation to potential customers by fraudelent dealers on the possible applications and limitations of solar technology systems ruin the reputation of the technologies.
- Lack of credit facilities for RETs hinders industry development.
- Low purchasing power of Tanzanians for upfront costs of solar systems hinders widespread adoption and affordability.
- There is inadequate of skilled personnel for installing and maintaining PV systems
- Uncoordinated efforts to disseminate the technology adds to the problems duplication of efforts and poor uses of available limited resources
- Limited availability of systems and related enterprises in the target communities further hinder adoption rate.
- Inadequate and limited access to both technical and market information of technologies under consideration affects acceptance of the PV systems.
[top] [end]Awareness Creation: Demonstrations - 11 demonstration solar PV systems were installed on strategic sites such as dispensaries, training and youth centres and organizations in Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Coast regions. More than 2KW have being installed in the previous programme.
- One demonstration small wind turbine (600W) was installed at SRECTA. Performance monitoring is being undertaken to establish its practical potential in Tanzanian conditions.
- Two solar dryers (Kawanda type) were constructed at TaTEDO and SRECTA for demonstration and training purposes.
Lessons learned - Experiencing working renewable energy technologies increases confidence of the target groups on their potentials and hence significantly contributes to dissemination efforts.
- Involving the local partners and individuals in installation of demonstration units adds to the acceptability of the technologies. The communities need to know who will install, troubleshoot and maintain their prospective systems.
- The wind turbine at SRECTA develops more enquiries and interest of the target group on the potentiality of the technology.
- Less has been made in the country to widely build capacity, disseminate and coordinate solar drying activities in the country. Concerted efforts of all stakeholders are vital for sustainable development of the industry.
[top] [end]Awareness Creation: TV & Radio - 8 TV programmes on solar technologies were prepared and screened to the target population.
- 10 Radio programmes on solar technologies were prepared and aired to the target population.
Lessons learned - Both radio and television programmes, create mass awareness and result in increased enquires of RET services. They are active tools in promotional activities.
[top] [end]Awareness Creation: Promotional materials The following promotional materials for solar technologies were prepared, produced and distributed: - 3000 brochures,
- 1200 posters and
- 200 T-shirts.
Lessons learned - Promotional posters, brochures, leaflets, T-shirts and newsletters, are far important in both information and awareness creation in the community
[top] [end]Capacity building: Training - 146 solar PV electricians were trained on solar PV systems
- 7-targeted group were trained on solar drying technology.
Lessons learned - Training of technical target groups has positively contributed to dissemination of solar technologies. As such, it is an important tool to capitalise on in promotion efforts.
[top] [end]Capacity building: Networking - There are 72 partners sharing energy information in the country.
Lessons learned - Networking is very important among partners and other stakeholders for wide dissemination of RETs in the country. Networking allows for timely access of information and limit duplication of efforts, which can lead wastage of resources.
[top] [end]Market development for Renewable Energy Technologies: Market information - 7 market studies on solar PV were conducted in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza,
Morogoro and Mbeya Regions. - 2 market studies on solar drying industry conducted.
- Two studies on analyses of actors and the solar PV industry in Tanzania conducted.
Lessons learned - Solar drying technology has a big potential for income generation, reduction of post harvest losses and malnutrition, and provision of employment in rural areas.
- Solar PV application could improve and positively transform rural communities through provision of social facilities such as information communication technologies (ICT), water for both economic and domestic purposes, SMEs activities, health sector and agriculture (irrigation).
- Credit facilities are vital for accessibility and wide adoption of solar technologies
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