Exploring the dynamics between deforestation and energy use for cooking in Tanzania: Implications for sustainable energy and forest policy

Abstract: In East Africa, including Tanzania, the vast majority of the population relies on fuelwood for domestic energy consumption, particularly for cooking. This heavy dependence on biomass has significant implications for forest resources, contributing to forest disturbances, but has not benne sufficiently investigated until now. This study aims to explore these dynamics in Mainland Tanzania between 2001 and 2023 by assessing Tree Cover Loss, Above-Ground Biomass, biomass loss and demand trends, and evaluating the fraction of Non-Renewable Biomass. Results showed that between 2001 and 2023 AGB declined, with a consistent drop in biomass density. Total Biomass Loss rose from 39 Mt in 2001 to 70.1 Mt in 2022, while Total Biomass Demand surged from 22.6 to 55.4 Mt. The gap between supply and demand narrowed slightly, suggesting a possible increase in resource use efficiency for energy provision. Out of 26 regions, 11 are net consumers, and 15 are net suppliers. This illustrates the uneven distribution of biomass resources and demand nationwide. The fraction of Non-Renewable Biomass rose from 23.8% in 2001 to 34.1% in 2012 and then stabilized. About 79% of this in 2022 was due to cooking-related biomass demand, highlighting unsustainable biomass use. Overall, this study offers critical insights into forest resource use in Tanzania, with implications for sustainable management and climate policy. The refined estimates of biomass dynamics and fraction of Non-Renewable Biomass support more targeted, data-driven decision-making. While limitations exist, the results emphasize the need for better monitoring to support sustainable energy and forestry strategies.