Population growth and the rural energy crisis: a case study of Moshi rural district.

Increasing consumption of fuelwood and its consequences on forests and the environment in general, has been attributed to population growth and the pressure it exerts on resources. The study assesses the effects of population growth on fuel energy demand and supply situation in the rural areas. Specifically, it examines the availability and consumption levels of firewood and its effects on forests and the economy in general in Moshi Rural district. The study also considers the influence of socio-economic and demographic factors on the use of non biomass alternatives of fuel energy. Findings show that population growth is relatively high with children constituting 47 percent of this population. The household size is also high. Firewood is the main type of fuel energy used by 95.3 percent of the population. The main sources of the firewood are trees from individual farms and forests. Forests experience constant pressure from the growing population. Firstly, pressure is exerted on land resource through fragmentation of land to accommodate the growing population. Consequently, there is clearance of land and felling of trees for settlements and agricultural land. Secondly, there is pressure on forests caused by cutting of trees for firewood. The relatively high per capital consumption rate of 3.6 m3 shows the extent of the exploitation of the forests in the study area. The high consumption rates coupled by inability of the majority to afford non biomass alternatives, result into high consumption levels of firewood which create scarcity. Unavailability increases the distance to the sources of firewood. The results show that this distance increased by about 16 percent each year in the study area. Consequently, the time spent in obtaining firewood progressively increased. About 33 percent of the total working days were spent in obtaining firewood. Consequently, the time spent in production activities and the economy suffered. Besides, the use of firewood for purposes such as local beer brewing, brick burning and the sale of firewood exacerbates the amount consumed and extracted from the forests as well as deforestation. These activities accounted for about 20 percent of the total deforestation taking place in the study area. Moreover, it was found that the management strategies in Moshi Rural district were waning despite efforts by some individuals and non governmental organisations. While the number of trees planted decreased, the number cut increased, a gap which yet needs to be filled. Inability to plant trees was attributed to land scarcity, the time it takes for a tree to mature for harvesting and the fact that a considerable number of people could still get their supplies from the protected and unprotected forests. The study concludes on one hand that population is increasing as well as the amount of fuelwood which is consumed by the majority of the population, and, on the other hand, pressure on forests is worsening. Consequently deforestation and related environmental consequences are magnifying. The study also suggests some recommendations. Firstly, there is a need of creating awareness in environmental and economic problems associated with both high population growth rates and fuelwood consumption rates to the indigenous people. Secondly, their participation in making plans and in alleviating these problems is also important. Enforcement of existing laws and by laws, afforestation programmes and efficient use of firewood and charcoal are some of the other recommendations. Finally, the study suggests detailed studies on the use of natural resources, actual rates and factors of deforestation, improved wood stoves and the other sources of energy such as kerosene, electricity, liquified petroleum gas and bio-gas to mention a few.