Context: Wood fuel will continue to be the principle source of energy in rural and urban Tanzania for a foreseeable future. Of the 92,000 hectares of forest that is clear felled annually, it is estimated that 40% are cut down for fuel. VSDA are sensitizing local communities in Ruvuma region to adopt improved energy devices with the view to reducing domestic consumption of woodfuel. Since improved energy devices are low carbon, wider adoption would reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

About the Proponent: VSDA is a registered non profit organization. It was established in 2005 with a focus on income generation, micro finance, environment, energy and gender.

Project Objective: To build capacity of grassroots groups in Ruvuma region in production and use of improved energy devices for environment conservation and poverty reduction.

Implementation Strategy:
1. Raise awareness on the importance of fuel efficient devices for human health and environment conservation
2. Strengthen capacity for production and marketing
3. Building management capacity for sustaining and wider replication of the initiative.