Firewood is the most common source of energy used in Tanzanian homes, and in some cases people, especially those living in the rural areas, have never known any other form of energy. But the use of firewood has disadvantages, and serious ones too. For one, its use influences the process of depleting forest reserves, consequently worsening climate change.

That is part of the reason areas with ample tree cover receive adequate amounts of rainfall, some throughout the year, while the reverse is true where there are no trees.And with rain, people can grow adequate amounts of food crops and put famine at bay.

It needs no emphasising that we need to do everything possible to save our forests. It is with this in mind that we consider the advice given by the Tanzania Traditional Energy Development Organisation (Tatedo) very appropriate.
The Tatedo executive director, Mr Estomih Sawe, has proposed that adequate funds should be set aside for improving the use of renewable energy, especially charcoal and firewood, if we are to preserve our forests.

Furthermore, he suggests, people should turn to cookers that are not only efficient, but economical in the use of charcoal. The proposal is very apt at this time when many  parts of Tanzania are under the threat of turning into deserts, thanks to wanton felling of trees needed to burn charcoal.

While supporting the proposal, we recommend that this type of cookers should be promoted in all parts of the country as one key approach to put desertification at bay.As it is, there is a lot of reckless tree felling, and many of us don’t seem to care. The possibility of most of the country turning into a desert is very real in the face forest destruction, so we have no choice but to take drastic measures stem the trend. Lest we forget, trees can do without man, but man can’t do without trees.

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