The Impact of Energy Use on Poor Urban Livelihoods in ... - DfID

A study <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> energy use on poor urban livelihoods in Arusha, Tanzania
� use is largely restricted to both male-headed and female-headed poor
households, with a very high percentage (85%) <strong>of</strong> the latter using charcoal;
� in Daraja Mbili, the use <strong>of</strong> battery radios is mostly confined to poor and non-poor
male-headed households whereas in Kaloleni, use is only in poor households
with very little difference between those that are male-headed and those that are
female-headed.
Appendix E5 provides more detailed analyses <strong>of</strong> the fuels used and not used for
cooking and lighting, drawn from the various focus groups.
Health effects associated with various types <strong>of</strong> energy
<strong>The</strong>re is a local awareness <strong>of</strong> the health implications associated with various fuels.
(Figure 5.13)
Figure 5.13: Health effects <strong>of</strong> various fuel types
� Electricity
� Kerosene
� LPG
� Charcoal
� Firewood
� Sawdust
� Biogas
Source: Focus group meetings
None except electric shock
Eye and nose problems especially if the wick is not extinguished properly
Can explode and kill
Chest and eye problems
Chest and eye problems
Chest and eye problems
None
No knowledge
Availability <strong>of</strong> fuel
Kerosene is the most easily available fuel in Kaloleni and Daraja Mbili bearing in
mind seasonal changes in the supply <strong>of</strong> charcoal and firewood. LPG is only available
from one outlet in the centre <strong>of</strong> Arusha.
Availability <strong>of</strong> equipment
<strong>Use</strong> <strong>of</strong> a particular fuel does not just depend on opportunities and constraints
concerning fuel itself but also on the equipment and appliances needed to convert
fuel into energy. Figure 5.14 summarises the opportunities and constraints for
obtaining equipment needed to use electricity, kerosene, charcoal and firewood.
Figure 5.14: Access to equipment
� Ordinary, scrap metal charcoal and kerosene stoves are easily available
� Charcoal irons are easily available
� <strong>Energy</strong> saving stoves are not easily available
� A variety <strong>of</strong> electrical equipment is on sale in Arusha (cookers, fridges, electric kettles, washing
machines, microwave cookers, TVs, videos etc.)
� Gas cylinders and regulators are not easily available
Source: Various semi-structured interviews, case-studies and focus group discussions
Cost <strong>of</strong> fuel and equipment 78
<strong>The</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> households using electricity complained about the high unit costs and
problems with billing and supply. Electricity tariffs rose significantly in June 2004 and
a small household that consumes 180 units/month now pays an additional 60% (i.e.
an increase from TSh 9,900 to TSh 16,950. Many households who would like
electricity are unable to afford the connection costs. Currency conversion
78 Appendix E6 gives details <strong>of</strong> fuel and equipment costs in Arusha.
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Development Planning Unit, UCL London
Dr. Sheilah Meikle and Patrice North