Estimations of Multidimensional Energy Poverty in Tanzania

Abstract The objective of the study was to estimate multidimensional energy poverty in Tanzania. The study utilized descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to analyse secondary data from the 2017 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (TDHS). Alkire-Foster methodology was used to examine the level of multiple deprivation associated with energy poverty in Tanzania decomposed by zone, place of residence, and sex of the head of the household to provide a detailed analysis of energy poverty in Tanzania. The study found that 81.2% of households in Tanzania were multidimensionally energy poor, with higher rates of energy poverty in rural areas and among female-headed households. The most significant contributors to energy poverty were lack of access to modern cooking fuels and electricity, low levels of asset ownership, and inadequate education attainment. The study recommends that Tanzania invest in expanding access to modern cooking fuels and electricity, improving asset ownership, and enhancing educational opportunities as ways to address multidimensional energy poverty. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of multidimensional energy poverty in Tanzania and highlights the need for targeted policies and investments to address energy poverty in the country. Keywords: Multidimensional energy poverty, Alkire-Foster methodology, Energy poverty