Tanzania has enacted a number of policies and legislative acts that either directly address climate change issues or indirectly support these objectives through environmental conservation in the related areas of alternative energy, protection of forest lands, and disaster response. The country’s approach to climate change runs parallel to its goals of social and economic development. The government envisages future economic development as dependent on how the country responds to climate change challenges, as well as its institutional capacity to implement climate change sectoral and cross-sectoral activities.
Tanzania has been active in several global climate governance measures, most notably through its membership in the regional intergovernmental organisation of the East African Community (EAC), but also through bilateral and larger multilateral processes. Underdeveloped institutional and technical capacity is still cited as one of the major hindrances to addressing climate change challenges. The limited institutional and technical capacity also significantly impacts the ability to mobilise climate funding.
In 1997, Tanzania adopted a National Environmental Policy that seeks: (1) to establish a framework to bring environmental issues to the mainstream of decision-making in Tanzania; (2) to provide policy guidelines, plans and guidance on priority actions, and (3) to create a system for monitoring and review of policies, plans and programmes. The policy calls for regulation on the use of public land; increased use of renewable energy, rational exploitation of forest resources, deforestation control and afforestation activities; waste management; and increased research on climate change issues.
Tackling climate change issues is largely undertaken within the context of the National Environmental Policy and the 2004 Environmental Management Act (EMA). However, pre-existing institutions and institutional memory pose some challenges with the implementation of the EMA.
The 2012 Long Term Perspective Plan (LTPP) is designed to guide the implementation of The Tanzania Development Vision 2025 and strives to build a ‘roadmap to a Middle Income Country.’ The LTTP reviews environment and climate change issues in the context of their potentially negative impact on development and calls for further institutional arrangements to enhance competences of the National Environmental Council over climate issues.
Adopted in 2012, the Tanzania Five Year Development Plan is a part of a series of plans to implement the Tanzania Development Vision 2020. The Plan notes a considerable number of risks to the development of industry and the cost to GDP that may be due to climate change, and recommends mitigation and adaptation measures as well as the creation of a financial framework. More specifically, the plan calls for a National Climate Change Strategy – an institutional framework to identify, mobilise and monitor global climate funding – as well as environmental impact monitoring for large industrial and infrastructural projects, stronger enforcement of sustainable environmental management development initiatives, and programmes for training and increased awareness of climate change.
The 2006 National Plan, a document on Mainstreaming Environment and Climate Change Concerns, outlines climate change risks and strategies to promote environmental awareness, collaboration and monitoring across sectors and government agencies, and between national and local governments. The strategy includes plans to combat deforestation and desertification, promote alternative energy and address climate change in other areas. However, this Plan lacks explicit mechanisms for integrating climate change programmes and activities across all sectors.
The 2007 National Capacity Self-Assessment Report and Action Plan for the Implementation of Post Rio Conventions (NSCA) was prompted by the Global Environment Facility, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The 2010 National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty II addresses challenges posed by climate change to economic growth and poverty reduction. The Strategy recognises the link between poverty and the environment. It seeks to make energy more accessible to the population, and promote alternative energy including wind, solar and biofuels. Agriculture resilience and food security are addressed though increased food crops, livestock and fishery production, and the introduction of crop, livestock and fish varieties that are suited to adverse conditions resulting from climate change. Agricultural crop security is specifically being addressed through improved seed varieties; however, this measure is posing challenges to farmers because the seeds are susceptible to crop pests and they are expensive for many rural farmers. Finally, the Strategy seeks to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change by strengthening early warning systems for disasters, risk management and preparedness, and disaster management and response. The strategy was planned for implementation between 2010/11 and 2014/15.
The Environmental Management Act of 2004 called for the creation of a National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), to be updated every five years, and incorporated environmental concerns with the implementation of development plans and programmes, requiring Sector Ministries and Local Government Authorities to prepare Environmental Action Plans according to NEAP. NEAP 2012–2017 calls for an assessment of vulnerability regarding climate change in order to strengthen the National Climate Change Action Plan, promote adaptation policies, plans, budgets, and local government programmes, develop public awareness of climate change mitigation and adaptation and strengthen early warning systems. The Plan also outlines measures to strengthen the enforcement of land and deforestation related legislation.
According to 2013 figures from the state-owned Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), the country’s energy mix is made up of 90% biomass, 8% petroleum products, 1.5% electricity, and 0.5% coal and renewables. According to the US Energy Association (USEA), only 18% of the population has access to electricity, with the rest dependent on biomass and waste (wood, charcoal, manure, crop residues) for cooking and heating. TANESCO and the USEA identify the dependence on biomass as a significant contributor to deforestation; particularly as 80% of biomass consumption is from rural areas.
The majority (66.8%) of installed electricity capacity is sourced from hydroelectric generation plants, with the rest coming from fossil fuels. The electricity sector’s dependence on hydropower leads to reliability issues during periods of drought, compounded by ageing infrastructure and significant transmission/distribution energy losses.
The 2003 National Energy Policy focuses on the sustainable use of energy resources with minimal adverse impact on the environment, noting their important role in economic development. In 2013, the Natural Gas Policy identified natural gas as the future engine of growth and a significant source of industrial and household energy. Subsequently, renewable energy is receiving less national attention. The 2010 Mining Act requires that mining companies have insurance that covers pollution and environmental damage compensation; however, the Act does not outline firm responsibilities for the private sector.
As a result of low access to electricity, the residential sector drives energy consumption, accounting for 72% of total consumption (2009). TANESCO plans to expand the electricity grid, setting an ambitious target of 30% connectivity by 2015; however, the utility faces a lack of government funding and limited resources as a barrier to successful expansion.
Although small-scale energy efficiency measures have been conducted, the government does not currently have demand-side management programmes. However, Tanzania is exploring the ways in which energy efficiency and demand response can increase grid reliability and lower the load on the overtaxed electricity system. In 2013, the Energy Utility Partnership Programme, funded by USAID and USEA, conducted a capacity building workshop with TANESCO, the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation, the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. TANESCO, in particular, has prioritised demand side management; however, once again, it faces resources and staff shortages as a barrier.
REDD+ and LULUCF
Roughly 40% of Tanzania is covered by forests and woodlands; however, expanding arable land from the lowlands towards the mountains, rapidly rising energy needs and commercial logging are all contributing to deforestation and forest degradation. The 2013 Action Plan for Implementation of the National Strategy for Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) further details the drivers of deforestation and degradation. Strategies and actions outlined include:
- setting up a reference emission level and monitoring, reporting and verification systems
- creating a financial mechanism to incentivise REDD+ schemes
- working with stakeholders and ensuring active participation in the implementation of REDD+ schemes
- exploring REDD+ financing options
- developing institutional arrangements for governance and a legal framework
- establishing a national training programme, a national research programme and communication network
- addressing the drivers of deforestation and degradation directly.
The 13th UN REDD Programme Policy Board meeting was held in Arusha, Tanzania, in November 2014, affirming and strengthening the value of the Programme and its partnership with Tanzania.
The 2008-2020 Zanzibar National Forest Resources Management Plan supports the implementation of forest policy and provides legal room for communities to participate and engage in forest management programmes in the Zanzibar Islands. The Plan supports the formulation of Community Forest Management Agreements.
The National Forest Programme 2001-2010 (NFP) was created to implement the National Forest Policy (1998). The NFP is based on four development programmes: a) Forest Resources Conservation and Management programme; b) Institutions and Human Resources Development programme; c) Legal and Regulatory Framework programme; d) Forestry Based Industries’ and Sustainable Livelihoods programme.
The overall goal of the 1998 National Forest Policy is to enhance the contribution of the forest sector, while ensuring its sustainable development and the conservation and management of its natural resources in the long term. The policy recognises the high value of forests, due to the high potential for royalty collection (stumpage), export and tourism earnings. The policy also seeks to effectively manage and preserve forest areas in the long term and ensure the conservation of forest biodiversity, water catchments and soil fertility.
The 2006 Strategy for Urgent Action on Land Degradation and Water Catchments seeks to map water sources in the country. Amongst other things, it identifies the use of trees for urban construction, firewood and charcoal as a cause of deforestation. It also prescribes the promotion of wood plantations and nurseries, empowering local leaders to prevent and control wildfires, as well as a national tree-planting campaign to counter deforestation.
Tanzania released a National Climate Change Strategy in 2012, to address both adaptation and mitigation in line with the country’s vision for sustainable development. In 2014, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Co-operatives (MAFC) developed and released an Agriculture Climate Resilience Plan to outline the risks climate change poses to agriculture in Tanzania, as well as a strategy for sustainable agricultural development and adaptation.
The agriculture sector is paramount to the success of the economy, accounting for 25% of GDP and 24% of exports. Moreover, 75-80% of Tanzanians earn their livelihood through smallholder agriculture, making it important to mainstream climate change adaptation measures within agricultural development strategies.
2012 National Climate Change Strategy (2012 / Mitigation and Adaptation Framework)The 2012 National Climate Change Strategy aims to enable Tanzania to effectively adapt to climate change and participate in global efforts to mitigate climate change, whilst also achieving sustainable development. Adaptation strategies are outlined for water resources, coastal and marine environment, forestry, wildlife, agriculture and food security, human health, tourism, energy (hydropower dams), industry, livestock,…read more
National Energy Policy (2003)The Policy updates Tanzania’s 1992 Energy Policy to account for structural changes and market liberalisation. Consistent with the 1992 policy, the central objective is: “to provide an input in the development process by establishing an efficient energy production, procurement, transportation, distribution, and end-user system in an environmentally sound manner”. Specifically, the policy addresses Tanzania’s need…read more
Emissions More information
|Rank as emitter (including LULUCF):|
|Country-reported GHG emissions (incl. LULUCF) (MTCO2):||952.8 (reporting year: 1994)|
|Country-reported GHG emissions (excl. LULUCF) (MTCO2):||39.24 (reporting year: 1994)|
Information More information
|GHG inventory:||1990, 1994 (Initial National Communication 2003)|
|Climate risk assessment:||1st National Communication to the UNFCCC (2003)|
Economy wide targets - Up to (and including) 2020
Economy-wide targets - Beyond 2020
Targets - Energy demand
Targets - LULUCF
Targets - Renewables
GHG Mitigation framework More information
National Climate Change Strategy (2012)Source:
Adaptation framework More information
National Climate Change Strategy (2012)Source:
Policies - Carbon pricing
Policies - Promotion of low-carbon energy (inc. renewables)
Policies - Energy demand
Policies - Transport
Policies - LULUCF
Establishment of reference emissions levels; Incentivise REDD schemesSource:
Tanzania is a unitary presidential democratic republic, with legislative power vested in both its government and its unicameral National Assembly. The Assembly has up to 357 members, 239 of which are elected by popular vote, 102 are women appointed by the president, 5 are members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, 1 is filled by the Attorney General and up to 10 additional members may be appointed by the president. All members serve five-year terms. Additionally, Zanzibar’s House of Representatives, composed of 50 popularly elected members who serve 5-year terms, has exclusive jurisdiction over Zanzibar. The last election was in October 2015 and the next is expected for 2020.
There are two types of Bills: Government Bills and Private Members’ Bills. Government Bills are introduced by a Minister or Attorney-General. Private Members’ Bills are introduced by an MP who is not a minister or Attorney-general (a private member of the National Assembly). Before a Government Bill is introduced, it passes through a process of consultation and decision-making at the Ministerial level, Permanent Secretaries level, and finally the cabinet.
Bills are published in at least two issues of the official government gazette before being read to the Assembly. For Government Bills, this process can be foregone if a certificate authorised by the President is laid on the table of the Assembly by a Minister or the Attorney-General stating that the relevant bill is so unusually urgent that time does not permit for compliance with the prescribed procedure.
Upon the first reading of each bill, it is referred to the appropriate Standing Committee for consideration. Committees have no power to amend bills, but may request that the Minister responsible for the bill introduces amendments in the Assembly. When the Committee has concluded its considerations, the draft text is subjected to a general debate by members. When approved by the majority of MPs, the bill is submitted to the President for his assent, and upon gaining it, becomes an Act of Parliament. If the President withholds his assent, he must return the bill to the Assembly, stating his reasons. In order for it to be re-submitted to the President, it must be supported by the votes of at least two-thirds of the Members of the Assembly within six months. The President is required to approve the Bill within 21 days, or dissolve Parliament and call for a new general election.
“Current Status of Energy Sector in Tanzania,” (2013) Presentation before the United States Energy Association. Available at: http://www.usea.org/sites/default/files/event-/Tanzania%20Power%20Sector.pdf. Accessed on 3 November 2014.
“Capacity Building Workshop in Tanzania Assists Utilities,” (2013) United States Energy Association. Available at: http://www.usea.org/sites/default/files/event-/Tanzania%20DSM%20and%20Advanced%20Metering%20Workshop%20May%202013.pdf. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, 2008. Zanzibar National Forest Resources Management Plan 2008-2020. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
“Tanzania Agriculture Climate Resilience Plan, 2014 -2019,” (2014) Presentation at the Tanzania National Climate Change and Agriculture Workshop, 15 October. Available at: http://www.fao.org/climatechange/42077-07d3c561d911f22c7a7d12d0bdf123dc0.pdf. Accessed on 20 December 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, 1997. Agricultural and Livestock Policy. January 1997. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, 2010. National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty II NSGRIP II. July 2010. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Ministry Of Natural Resources and Tourism, 2001. National Forest Programme in Tanzania 2001-2010. November 2001. Accessed on 16 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania. The Tanzania Development Vision 2025. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 1990. The Disaster Relief Co-ordination Act. 7 April 1990. Accessed on 10 December 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 1996. Forest Resources Conservation and Management Act No. 10 OF 1996. 18 December 1996. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 1997. National Environmental Policy. December 1997. Accessed on 10 December 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 1998. Land Act. 7 September 1998. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 1999. The Village Land Act. 11 February 1999. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 2002. The Forest Act. 23 April 2002. Accessed on 15 December 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 2005. The Environmental Management Act No. 20 of 2004 & The Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit Regulations, 2005. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 2007. National Capacity Self- Assessment Report and Action Plan for the Implementation of Post Rio Conventions. September 2007. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 2012. National Climate Change Strategy. [http://tanzania.um.dk/en/~/media/Tanzania/Documents/Environment/TANZANIA%20CLIMATE%20CHANGE%20STRATEGY/TANZANIA%20CLIMATE%20CHANGE%20STRATEGY.pdf]. Accessed on 20 December 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 2012. National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) 2012-2017. July 2012. Accessed on 10 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, Vice-President’s Office, 2013. Action plan for implementation of the national strategy for reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). March 2013. Accessed on 20 November 2014.
The United Republic of Tanzania, President’s office, National Planning Commission, 2008.
The United Republic of Tanzania, the National Natural Gas Policy of Tanzania -2013. [www.tanzania .go.tz/egov_uploads/document/ natural_gas_policy-approved_sw.pdf]. Accessed on 20 December 2014.