NEMC promotes clean cooking energy in Arusha school

Arusha. The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has taken a significant step in promoting clean cooking energy, playing a crucial role in advancing environmental protection and public health through sustainable cooking solutions.

This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to environmental conservation and public health, as emphasized by  Director of environment and social impact assessment at NEMC Lilian Lukambuzi.

Speaking on behalf of the director-general, Dr Immaculate Sware Semesi, Ms Lukambuzi highlighted NEMC's recent push to promote clean cooking technologies as part of Tanzania’s ongoing environmental efforts.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, NEMC has marked a historic milestone by donating clean cooking stoves to Arusha Primary School, which serves approximately 1,600 students. For years, the school has depended entirely on firewood and charcoal to prepare meals for its students.

NEMC is now providing four gas-powered stoves, each with the capacity to cook up to 700 liters of food at once. Three of the stoves have a 200-liter capacity, valued at Sh2.4 million each, while one stove has a 100-liter capacity, valued at Sh1.6 million. The total donation, which includes the stoves and gas, is valued at approximately Sh10 million.

This donation supports President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s campaign for the adoption of clean cooking energy across Africa and is aligned with the National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy, launched in 2024.

The strategy aims to ensure that by 2034, 80 percent of Tanzanians will use clean cooking energy, safeguarding the environment, improving public health, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

The initiative also responds to the government’s directive encouraging institutions that serve over 100 people to phase out firewood and charcoal in favor of cleaner cooking technologies.

The use of firewood and charcoal contributes to deforestation, health hazards from smoke exposure—especially affecting women and children who spend more time in the kitchen—and exacerbates climate change.

“The stoves we are donating to Arusha Primary School will not only enhance cooking efficiency but will also improve the health and well-being of the students, while contributing to a cleaner environment,” said Ms. Lukambuzi.

In addition, NEMC is emphasizing the importance of clean cooking energy in celebration of International Women’s Day.

This energy solution not only improves efficiency but also saves time, enabling women to engage in other productive activities. The initiative aligns with this year’s observance theme: “Women and Girls – 2025, Strengthening Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.”