Impact of clean cooking energy and afforestation on environmental conservation at household level in Tanzania:

Abstract

Clean cooking energy and afforestation practices are essential components in promoting environmental conservation, especially at the household level. The number of Tanzanians using clean cooking energy has increased slightly from 1.5% in 2010 to 6.9% in 2021. This study aimed to analyse the impact of clean cooking energy and afforestation on environmental conservation at the household level in Tanzania: a case study of Moshi District Council. Specifically, the study intended to examine the determinants of tree planting practice and its contribution to environmental conservation at the household level, explore determinants of tree harvesting practice and its contribution to environmental conservation at the household level and determine the costs and benefits of clean cooking energy adoption and its contribution to environmental conservation at the household level in Moshi District Council. A cross-sectional research design was employed. The sample included 381 respondents and 4 key informants, for a total of 385. A survey questionnaire, interviews, and document review were used to gather data, and respondents were chosen by simple random and purposive selection. This study employed a Binary Logistic Regression Model and a Cost-Benefit technique to analyse the data. The findings showed a positive statistically significant association between fruit trees provision, increasing biodiversity, education, marital status and tree planting practice with p < 0.05. Moreover, forest management practices, forest protection targets, education, household size and timber production have a statistically significant relationship with tree harvesting practice (p < 0.05). Regarding the adoption of clean cooking energy, the cost-benefit analysis showed a BCR of 1.1. The study concluded that when households understand the ecological importance of trees, such as their role in preserving diverse plant and animal species, stabilising ecosystems, and improving climate resilience, they are more inclined to plant and conserve them. With regard to tree harvesting practices, forest management influences household decisions. Again, the cost-benefit analysis for clean cooking energy adoption showed a BCR of 1.1, meaning that using clean cooking energy saves money, time spent going and returning, and time spent gathering firewood, and reduces health risks associated with medical expenses. This study recommended that, given the strong influence of education on both tree planting and harvesting practices, LGAs should integrate environmental education into their local development agendas.