Using energy justice to contextualise existing challenges of wood charcoal against faecal sludge derived briquettes as a future cooking fuel alternative in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Over half of the population in Dar es Salaam (DSM), Tanzania, predominately relies on wood charcoal as a cooking fuel, and this is expected to rise to meet future demands. Drawing on the energy justice framework, this article contextualises the current charcoal supply chain of DSM and discusses the possibility of using faecal sludge-derived briquettes (FS briquettes) as a future alternative. This article demonstrates how current injustices in the charcoal supply chain pose challenges related to availability, reliability, affordability and sustainability and concludes that the future energy system of DSM must become more robust and diversified. This article also concludes that while FS briquettes hold the potential to become a viable and energy just cooking fuel alternative, future adoption may be hindered by limited consumer acceptability, inadequate sanitation management and lack of financial investments and government support.