Rufiji District Leads the Way in Sustainable Energy and Environmental Conservation

Residents of Rufiji District in the Pwani region are set to reap the benefits of sustainable energy technologies following the launch of the "Leading the Change Phase II" project, a landmark initiative jointly implemented by the Rufiji District Council and TaTEDO-SESO.

Under this initiative, communities in Mbwara village and Nyamwage wards are at the forefront of adopting eco-friendly practices, with local groups such as Jembe, Majiko, Chaga, Juhudi, and Jitegemee actively participating in various sustainable energy activities. These include the drying of vegetables and fruits, production of stove liners, and environmentally friendly charcoal production.

TaTEDO-SESO conducted a series of training sessions on sustainable energy, policy, and good governance for the District Energy Team and group representatives. Additionally, environmental clubs at Nyamwage Secondary School and Shaurimoyo Primary School actively participated in the training, with students planting 300 trees as a practical demonstration of their commitment to environmental conservation.

The environmental clubs at Nyamwage Secondary School and Shaurimoyo Primary School have been instrumental in advancing the district's green agenda. Nyamwage Secondary School's club, established in 2022, has established a nursery for tree seedlings to reach 5000 seedlings by the end of 2024. Similarly, Shaurimoyo Primary School's club has a nursery housing 10,000 seedlings, with plans to increase this number and make the school compound green throughout the year.

The district has seen an increase in villagers educated in sustainable energy practices, with a notable uptick in the use of sustainable energy technologies such as solar dryers and efficient wood stoves. Institutional engagement has also seen a significant boost, with participants from secondary schools, primary schools, and a health center educated on sustainable energy and environmental management.

Moving forward, TaTEDO-SESO, in collaboration with the Rufiji District Council, will continue to provide further training and promote the use of sustainable energy and environmental conservation within the community. The initiative aims to sustain knowledge and encourage wider adoption of eco-friendly practices, setting a precedent for sustainable development in the region.

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