Decomposing Rural-Urban Disparities in Clean Energy Use for Cooking in Tanzania: Evidence from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

The potential positive impact of clean energy on sustainable development is widely recognised in economic development discussions. This study analysed rural-urban variation in clean cooking energy usage in Tanzania, using data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). The findings highlighted key determinants of household cooking fuel choices, with education level, household wealth, and household size identified as significant predictors. A Fairlie decomposition technique revealed that, on average, rural households have a lower probability of using clean energy for cooking compared to urban households. The decomposition analysis showed that the rural-urban gap in clean energy adoption is primarily explained by differences in household wealth (80.5%), household size (7.5%), and the education level of the household head (4.4%). Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government introduce targeted financial support and subsidies for low-income households, particularly in rural areas. In addition, both government and non-governmental organisations should invest in large-scale education and awareness campaigns to promote the benefits of clean cooking energy. Policies should also encourage the development and distribution of energy-efficient and affordable cooking technologies, such as improved biomass stoves that are fuel-efficient and less harmful to health. These interventions will help bridge the rural-urban divide in terms of clean energy access and support sustainable development in Tanzania.