Review of Tanzania national energy policy of 2003 for rural energy subsector

Energy is a key sector recognized in Tanzania and the government has created a Ministry with departments and agencies responsible for energy affairs. At strategic level, the energy agenda is being pushed through national energy policy, strategies and plans seeking to address the problems of energy access for economic growth with the protection of the environment. The current energy access and consumption patterns in rural Tanzania where approximately 80% of the live is unsatisfactory as viewed against the perceived opportunities and desired outcomes. Rural communities bear a disproportionate burden of underdevelopment, in comparison to their counterparts in urban centers. Hunger and illiteracy rates are higher; access to education is lower; and avenues for breaking out of the poverty trap, if not entirely nonexistent, are elusive. Contribution of the rural economy is therefore constrained due to the inadequacy of policies, strategies and institutional frameworks for development. Furthermore, the provision of energy services is at the core of serious endeavor to confront the problems that rural communities face. This study proposes a review of the current national energy policy to address the perceived gaps related to the rural area. The view is intended to propagate the facilitation necessary for improving rural energy access.