Strategies for enhancing the use of straight Jatropha oil as a source of cooking and lighting energy in rural Tanzania: a case of Monduli district
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Date
2010
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Publisher
Unversity of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Energy is one of the key factors for development. However, energy production is also one of the major factors in environmental pollution, as fossil fuels have higher emission levels capable of polluting air, water and causing global warming. Utilisation of fuel wood on the other hand causes deforestation which results in soil degradation and destruction of the ecosystem. Reliance on fossil fuel can as well cause volatile economic trends due to varying prices. Rural area populations are main udders of fuel wood for cooking stoves and kerosene from fossil fuel for lighting. In order to strike a balance between environmental conservation and stimulation of the economy in rural areas, a rational choice of source of energy has to be made. Several pieces of literature have identified Jatropha Curcas or physic nut as a rational choice of source of energy for rural areas. Jatropha oil as a source of energy for cooking stoves as well as oil lamps was first introduced by KAKUTE Ltd in rural Tanzania (Monduli District) in the early 2000’s. Despite its early acceptance, later studies identified a problem that there was reluctance to use it continuously. The main objective of this research was to establish the local factors causing reluctance to accepting continuous usage of Jatropha oil as a source of energy for cooking stoves and oil lamps. The methodology used to find out these factors includes visiting the target area and the manufacturer of the Jatropha oil burning technologies, analysing the collected data, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for strategies to enhance the usage of Jatropha oil as a source of energy for cooking stoves and oil lamps.The results show that the reluctance was caused by poor burning technologies which caused emissions unfavourable to users of cooking stoves, while shorter flames and sanity problems discouraged users of oil lamps. For example, 80% of interviewees admitted that, they decided to stop using Jatropha oil as a source of energy for oil lamps because the oil does not burn efficiently. However 100% of the interviewees responded that they are prepared to use Jatropha oil as a source of energy for cooking stoves and lighting if the burning efficiency is improved. It was further concluded that lack of financing from non-profit making organisations is a negative factor in relation to improving the technology, building strong leadership and training villagers to sustain the initial idea. It was found that people are ready to use Jatropha oil as a source of energy for cooking stoves and oil lamps if the burning technology is improved. The research recommended several strategies for enhancing the use of Jatropha oil as a source of energy for cooking stoves and lighting oil lamps in rural Tanzania. The strategies include involvement of the Government, non-profit environmental organisations and gender sensitive groups to organise and finance pilot projects in target areas. The research further recommends continuous mobilisation and education of people on the benefits of using Jatropha oil as a source of energy for cooking stoves and lighting as well as an improvement in the Jatropha oil-burning technology.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF QK495.E9T34B47)
Keywords
Jatropha oil, Enphorbiaceae, Monduli district, Tanzania, Renewable energy sources, Jatropha curcas, Jatropha
Citation
Bernard, S. K. (2010) Strategies for enhancing the use of straight Jatropha oil as a source of cooking and lighting energy in rural Tanzania: a case of Monduli district, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam