Cooking energy systems and their effect on environmental sustainability in Dodoma, Tanzania: A driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) synthesis

Abstract

Consumption of energy for various uses including cooking, has various effects on the welfare of the environment. In developing countries where the majority rely on traditional biomass, cooking energy systems entail multiple disruptions to environmental sustainability. The objective of this paper is to integrate the prevailing cooking energy use systems of Dodoma region and environmental sustainability. The study uses the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to synthesize the two circumstances. Two sites, one rural and one urban were selected for data collection. The study adopted a case study design. Mixed methods were used to gather and analyze the data. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were employed in the selection of the respondents. The target population was the households. The sample size constitutes 210 households. Methods of data collection included survey, in-depth interview, focus group discussion and non-participant observation. Semi structure questionnaires, interview guides and focus group discussion Results reveal a significant proportion of the population (72.4%) using biomass energy for cooking. Disaggregated data expose the rural setting to have relatively higher proportions (89. %) as opposed to the urban (53.1%). The study further noted that persistent use of biomass energy is influenced by availability, accessibility, and affordability. Moreover, many households have been using inefficient stoves which lead to the consumption of large quantities of energy. A transition from firewood to charcoal in the rural area, and a thriving charcoal business in the urban have contributed to the clearance of forests and chopping off huge trees in the rural (the source area). These have led to the gradual disappearance of certain tree species. The study found no deliberate efforts at the individual or community level to restore environmental sustainability despite all the alarming indicators. Even though there are institutional frameworks, it was very hard to establish the duties and responsibilities of the institutions regarding the responses. The study concludes that there is a long way to go before biomass energy is abandoned, therefore individuals, communities and the government to take action to safeguard the environment for the benefit of the current and future generations.