Community Energy Initiatives:

A Pilot Solution for Increasing Accessibility of Fuel and Technology Alternatives in Tanzania ISSUE

Energy inaccessibility: Research and subsequent pilot project was an effort to bridge the gap between existing energy alternatives and poor urban residents in Tanzania

PROJECT OVERVIEWThe Community Energy Initiative began in 2003 as a collaborative research project between WODSTA, the Community Development Training Institute of Tengeru and the University College of London. The aim was to gain a better understand of the challenges that women faced in relation to domestic energy use. Ultimately, this research highlighted the need for improved accessibility; there was a great demand for alternative fuels by poor urban households, and there existed a large variety of alternative appliance and fuel technologies in East Africa. The research culminated in the suggestion for a central community space located in poor neighbourhoods which would bring knowledge of alternative fuels and appliances to the community. With this idea WODSTA went on to secure capital funding for the proposed Community Energy Focal Point Centres, and in 2005 began community mobilization for centre inception. The CEFP serves as a central place where urban residents can visit to learn about alternative fuels and appropriate technologies, construct their own appliances through community led workshops, and purchase appliances and fuels for domestic use. The centres also provide opportunities for motivated local women to earn extra income through construction and sale of appliances at the centre.

Women Development For Science and Technology Association

A. Oursler

SAMPLE OF VARIOUS TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCED

Cement Stove with Water HeaterFuel-Briket Press

Solar Fruits and Vegetable Dryer

Fuel-less Cooking BasketSolar Water Heater

Charcoal and Sawdust Brikets Improved Stove

Construction

Heat-retaining stove

Our Experience: LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Key elements of technology promotion and diffusion (3)

Reduce Financial Risk: people who are constrained by poverty and can not adequately meet their basic needs will be hesitant or unwilling to take financial risks regarding new or uncertain technologies. Customers must be convinced that the technology works, it is cost effective and worthwhile.

Large focus on public demonstrations: People must be able to test things and practically see that a technology is effective and

beneficial in order to be convinced they should invest in it.

Community Education and Awareness: an education campaign targeted at technology users will raise awareness of technology benefits and provide incentive for widening market base.

Health and nutritional benefits, long term economic savings, proper use and maintenance of technologies

Humans are creatures of habit: Offer small and incremental changes – ones that require limited or partial adjustments in practice or finances. For example:

Improved heat-retaining stove that allows user to continue burning firewood Charcoal briket made from waste materials to be used in common charcoal pits.

Women Development For Science and Technology Association

A. Oursler

Key elements of Market Creation (2)

Small quantities: Technologies and fuels should be available in small quantities in

order to remain proportionate within daily household budgets.

Honest & critical marketing: Do not hide the weaknesses of technologies; be up front regarding all advantages and disadvantages. If disadvantages are concealed and customers purchase a product only to discover it does not function as claimed – the product very quickly acquires a bad reputation and securing a reliable market becomes much more difficult. Example:

Photovoltaic systems – easily gains negative reputation due to poor quality materials, improper installation and insufficient maintenance knowledge.

Incentive: There must be an individual incentive (commission) for seeking to expand markets. In order for people to take the time selling something, they must directly benefit.

Localization of Production: In order to keep prices affordable and build local knowledge and skills, localization of technology production is recommended.

Our Experience: LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Women Development For Science and Technology Association

A. Oursler

Universality of cultural and behavioural factors (5)

Gender Norms: Initially targeted women through education and outreach as women are responsible for the domestic tasks. Later realized that men must be equally involved because they make the household expenditure decisions.

House Ownership: Low Household or plot ownership. This is magnified in urban ‘unplanned’ neighbourhoods where 96% of residents live under the National Poverty Line and either rent or illegally occupy land. People who do not own their houses will not be willing to install permanent technology fixtures if they cost money.

Women Development For Science and Technology Association

A. Oursler

Our Experience: LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDATIONS