Cooking for a stronger planet

Woodfuel is the most common form of energy used for cooking and heating households in Tanzania. In poor, rural communities, women rely heavily on traditional stoves – associated with a host of diseases. And while Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) cause cancer, respiratory infections and premature deaths, the burning also releases harmful emissions into the environment.

Solar powered change 

The Supamoto project, run by Dorcas Tanzania and Lions Club Tilburg, aims to address the country’s dependence on charcoal and firewood by enabling women in remote areas to switch to clean, high-efficiency solar powered biomass cookers. We set up a number of micro collection centres where locals – turned entrepreneurs – manage the shredding and transport process. The biomass is then delivered to the manufacturer, who produces sustainably-sourced pellets and briquettes.

Community-Based Conservation 

During its short lifespan, Supamoto has shown the merits of local production and clean energy – delivering real solutions to some of the poorest communities across Tanzania. In Ugoro village, where the project began, clean cooking is now an affordable and accessible option for women. To date, we have helped reduce deforestation, reduce gas emissions, improve women’s health and decrease workload.

Gaining momentum 

In 2019, Dorcas has big ambitions for the project, with plans to improve livelihoods by increasing household income, enabling savings and generating new job opportunities in rural areas.

04 March 2019