Breathing in some Tanzanian cities, and especially in Dar es Salaam, has become a real challenge. exercise that is risky to healthBetween car exhaust, open-air garbage burning, street dust, and charcoal fires for cooking, the air becomes laden with microscopic particles that end up entering the lungs of millions of people every day.
Far from being an abstract problem, air pollution in Tanzania translates into Children coughing all night, elderly people having difficulty breathing and a healthcare system strained by respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, the country is trying to boost its economic development, expand access to energy, and meet the Sustainable Development Goals, making air quality a challenge that is as much a health issue as it is a social and economic one.
Air pollution in Dar es Salaam: a city on the brink
In the commercial heart of Dar es Salaam, in neighborhoods like Kariakoo, the atmosphere is a dense mix of diesel exhaust fumes, coal smoke, dust and bad smellsMany vendors cover their noses and mouths with makeshift scarves because they literally feel the air irritating their throats and chests while working for hours in crowded stalls.
A joint study by the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology and the Stockholm Environment Institute, published in the Clean Air Journal, has confirmed with data what so many people have been noticing for years: The air in Tanzania's economic capital is toxicBetween May 2021 and February 2022, 14 monitoring stations were installed that continuously measured the concentrations of fine particles PM2,5 and PM10 at different points in the city.
The results showed that the Average concentrations consistently exceeded the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO)On the worst days, daily PM2,5 levels reached 130 µg/m³, more than eight times the WHO's guideline limit for protecting human health. This places Dar es Salaam at the forefront of the global urban air pollution crisis.
The researchers detected clear peaks during rush hour, approximately from 6:00 to 11:00 in the morning and from 18:00 to 21:00 in the evening, when traffic is heaviest and industrial activity accelerates. During holidays and days with less travel, the concentrations decreased, making very clear the weight of transport and industry in the city's emissions.
On Kongo Street, one of Kariakoo's busiest thoroughfares, thousands of people weave through wooden stalls, zigzagging motorcycles, carts laden with goods, and piles of uncollected garbage. Shopkeepers and residents describe how, when they blow their noses, the handkerchief turns black with dust and smoke—a clear sign of the amount of particles that are inhaled without realizing it throughout the day.
Main sources of pollution and critical points
The study identified several particularly worrying sources of pollution within Dar es Salaam. Residents living near busy roads, industrial parks, or landfills are the ones who endure the highest concentrations of fine and coarse particulate matter.
One of the most extreme examples is the Pugu Dampo landfill, where, during months of uncontrolled waste burning, PM10 measurements reached exorbitant levels, registering up to 2762 µg/m³ of coarse particlesIn neighborhoods like Ilala and Kinondoni, with factories and major traffic intersections, daily averages remained above the values considered safe by the WHO.
Densely populated residential areas were also identified, such as Magomeni, where the Emissions from vehicles are the dominant sourceIn other areas, such as Vingunguti, the combination of industrial emissions and road traffic creates a cocktail of pollution that affects those who live, study, or work nearby.
In addition to traffic and industry, urban dynamics themselves contribute to the problem: piles of waste burned in the open air, dirt roads that constantly kick up dust as cars and pedestrians pass, and cooking fires in the street or in courtyards. All of this generates a Persistent fog of particles, irritating gases and soot that floats at low altitude and ends up entering homes, markets, and schools.
Health impact: a silent killer in Tanzania
Breathing air laden with PM2,5 and PM10 on a continuous basis is linked to a long list of health problems, from asthma and chronic bronchitis to heart failure and heart diseaseIn Tanzania, respiratory infections are already among the leading causes of hospital visits and one of the major causes of infant mortality.
Fine particles are so small that they can penetrate to the deepest parts of the lungs and pass into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation, worsening of pre-existing conditions, and premature deathChildren, the elderly, outdoor workers, and street vendors are especially exposed, as they spend most of the day on the street or in poorly ventilated spaces.
Public health experts in Dar es Salaam have warned that the situation constitutes a health emergency that is not always perceived Because many of its effects take years to become apparent. The WHO ranks air pollution as the second leading cause of non-communicable diseases globally, which should serve as a wake-up call for the country.
Despite everything, social and political awareness of the effects of breathing polluted air remains limited. Citizens tend to react more quickly to the visible solid waste in the streets that even seemingly clear air, though laden with invisible pollutants, can be dangerous. This gap between perceived risk and actual risk delays the adoption of decisive measures.
Energy poverty and cooking with polluting fuels
A significant portion of air pollution in Tanzania is generated within homes. In Dar es Salaam, approximately [amount missing] is consumed. half of the country's charcoal every yearSince only about a third of Tanzania's electricity comes from relatively clean hydroelectric sources, much of the population still relies on charcoal and firewood for cooking and heating.
Smoke from domestic stoves accumulates in poorly ventilated kitchens and indoor spaces, filling the air with fine particles and toxic substances. For many families, charcoal is the most affordable and readily available option, even though they are aware that The unbreathable smoke affects your health and that of your children.This situation directly conflicts with SDG 7's objective of ensuring access to clean energy for cooking.
The integrated African assessment on air pollution and climate change underscores that the residential sector is crucial for reducing emissions of fine particulate matter and black carbon. A decisive transition towards More efficient biomass stoves and clean fuels such as gas, electricity, biogas or LPGBy 2030, around 60% of PM2,5 emissions and almost 68% of black carbon emissions from households could be cut.
Other African countries are testing programs that could serve as a reference for Tanzania: supplying single-burner LPG stoves to low-income households in Kenya and Uganda, pilot projects of Electric stoves in Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, or Cameroon, and minimum energy performance standards for air conditioning and refrigeration equipment to reduce electricity consumption and associated emissions.
In lighting, the transition to solar solutions has been faster, thanks to innovative financing models such as the "pay-per-use" (PAYG) system. This formula has allowed that Entire villages stop depending on paraffin and have access to clean, safe and cheaper electricity in the medium term, with support from local networks of artisans for maintenance and repairs.
Transport and accelerated urbanization: an explosive cocktail
Dar es Salaam is one of Africa's fastest-growing cities, with over six million inhabitants and urban sprawl outpacing planning. The combination of Congested roads, poorly regulated industries, and limited infrastructure for clean public transportation This makes the transport sector one of the main contributors to poor air quality.
On the most congested streets, cars, minibuses, and motorcycles crawl along, emitting visible plumes of smoke, especially older vehicles without modern emissions controls. The blaring of horns mixes with the smell of unburned diesel and dust from the roads, creating an environment in which Walking, selling on the street, or going to school becomes a daily exposure to pollutants..
At a continental level, Africa is experiencing rapid motorization linked to urbanization and rising average incomes. The creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will also boost the movement of goods and people between countries, which, if not properly regulated, could lead to... even more emissions of NOx, particulate matter and carbon dioxide.
The integrated African assessment indicates that, in the short term, one of the most effective measures would be Accelerate the implementation of strict emissions limits for vehicles and prohibit the import and circulation of excessively old carsLooking ahead to 2063, electric vehicles powered by renewable energy, the increasing use of hybrids, the electrification of freight transport, and the promotion of non-motorized transport (walking, cycling) can bring enormous benefits for both health and the climate.
Several African subregions have already moved in this direction. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has adopted harmonized standards for cleaner fuels and vehicles, and the East African Community began in 2015 to implement common standards for low-sulfur diesel and, more recently, for vehicles. Many cities are developing bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors and trying to link them with safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as introducing soot-free buses, including electric ones.
Energy, industry and CO2 emissions in Tanzania
Air pollution in Tanzania is not limited to visible particles: it is also associated with emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases linked to the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation, industry, transportation and fuel production.
In 2020, the country's total CO2 emissions were approximately 16,797 megatons, placing Tanzania 92nd out of 184 countries ranked from lowest to highest emitters. Although there was a slight decrease of about 0,207 megatons compared to 2019 (around 1,22% less), The long-term trend is clearly upward.Since 2010, total emissions have doubled, as have per capita emissions and those associated with each $1.000 of GDP.
In 2020, each inhabitant emitted an average of approximately 0,27 tons of CO2, a low figure compared to industrialized countries, but one that reflects a rapid growth of carbon footprint as the economy expands. Emissions per $1.000 of GDP were around 0,08 kilograms, slightly lower than the previous year, suggesting a slight improvement in the environmental efficiency of production, although insufficient to halt the overall deterioration.
In the energy and industrial sector, the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels to produce electricity or power production processes emits sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter which, when reacting in the atmosphere, form secondary particles and tropospheric ozoneThe oil and gas industry also contributes methane and volatile organic compounds, which aggravate global warming and air pollution at ground level.
At the African level, it is recognized that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are increasing their share of emissions, which poses an additional challenge: How to control pollution in a highly fragmented production system and with limited resources to invest in clean technologies. Emissions associated with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in air conditioning and refrigeration, which are potent greenhouse gases, are also increasing.
The integrated assessment proposes several courses of action: decisively promoting renewable energies (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal), reducing methane leaks in the oil and gas industry by leak detection and repair programs, replacement of ventilation equipment, and reduction of routine burningand apply strict emission standards for particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides in all new industrial facilities.
Africa has enormous renewable potential: it is estimated to hold 60% of the planet's best solar resources but only around 1% of installed photovoltaic capacity. According to projections by the International Energy Agency, more than 80% of new electricity generation capacity on the continent could come from renewable sources by 2030, generating around 1,3 million additional jobs and would reduce both emissions and local pollution.
Agriculture, methane and air quality
Agriculture is the cornerstone of African socio-economic development and, at the same time, a major source of emissions of methane, nitrous oxide and ammoniawhich affect the climate and air quality. Population growth and increased consumption, also driven by the AfCFTA, will require increased agricultural productivity in a climate-smart way with less atmospheric impact.
The integrated assessment for Africa estimates that, with appropriate measures, methane emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land uses could be 51% lower in 2030 and 72% lower in 2063 compared to a baseline scenario. Key actions include: improvements in livestock feed, animal health, and changes in consumption habitssuch as reducing food waste and moderating meat consumption where it is excessive.
Improved manure management through composting, anaerobic digestion, or daily spreading in the field reduces ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions, improving both air quality and the climate balance. In crops such as rice, alternating irrigation and drying (AWD techniques) allows for water conservation. increase or maintain yields and decrease greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously.
Several African countries have implemented genetic improvement and animal feed programs that have increased livestock efficiency and producers' incomes. Ethiopia, for example, has seen a significant increase in agricultural productivity thanks to investments in research and extension, while Ghana has launched a climate-smart rice project that will train thousands of farmers in sustainable practices, with a significant reduction of methane emissions associated with rice paddies.
Alternative uses for agricultural waste are also being promoted to avoid open burning: production of fuel briquettes from post-harvest waste, biochar generation, and the production of fertilizers based on this material in countries such as Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi. These solutions offer multiple benefits: Less smoke and particulate matter, more fertile soils, and new rural economic opportunities.
Waste management and its impact on air pollution
Poor solid waste and wastewater management in much of Africa, including Tanzania, represents an underestimated source of polluting emissions. Open burning of garbage is responsible for more than a quarter of these emissions. fine particulate matter pollution PM2,5 In many African urban environments, they also release black carbon, methane, and toxic substances that harm health and the climate.
More than three-quarters of households across the continent lack basic waste collection services, and according to UNICEF, around 779 million people lack access to basic sanitation, including 208 million who still practice open defecation. This situation leads to public health problems, water and soil pollution, degradation of biodiversity and additional risks of food insecurity.
The poorest communities, which often live in informal settlements or neighborhoods with precarious services, have the least access to proper waste management and, at the same time, depend most on informal recycling to survive. Many recyclers work in unsanitary conditions, without protection or access to social security. exposed to fumes, hazardous substances and workplace accidents.
The integrated assessment indicates that combining good landfill management practices (avoiding open burning and capturing methane) with measures to divert organic waste to composting or biogas production and reduce food waste could achieve a reduction of up to 90% of black carbon emissions associated with waste burning between now and 2063. PM2,5 emissions would also fall between 30% and 88% in that time horizon.
To achieve these goals, it would be necessary to connect all urban areas to wastewater treatment plants with methane capture systems and develop decentralized solutions for rural areas. Programs such as the African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP), active in 90 cities across 42 countries, and projects supporting circular MSMEs driven by initiatives like SWITCH Africa Green demonstrate that combining these approaches is possible. resource recovery, emissions reduction and job creation.
In countries like Ghana, Morocco or Kenya Sustainable waste management laws, Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, and public-private partnerships are being implemented to improve collection and recycling, introducing more efficient vehicle fleets and supporting innovative small businesses in the sector. These experiences can inspire similar solutions in Tanzania, where the burning of urban and industrial waste is one of the critical issues identified by air quality studies.
Political responses, regional cooperation and room for improvement
Although Tanzania has taken some steps to address air pollution—such as the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit system in Dar es Salaam or the development of the standard-gauge railway—the Practical application of the standards remains very limitedThe air quality regulations approved in 2007 are rarely enforced and monitoring capacity is limited.
The institutional framework is also fragmented: different bodies share responsibilities without strong coordination, and the National Environmental Management Council operates with very tight human and financial resourcesThis hinders the monitoring and enforcement of violations. Until recently, there was very little reliable data on ambient air quality; in fact, the 14 stations in the study in Dar es Salaam are among the first serious efforts at continuous monitoring in the country.
At the African level, the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) have endorsed a Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change and the development of a Clean Air Program for the entire continent. This program proposes 37 measures in key sectors (transport, residential, energy and industry, agriculture, and waste) that could reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, short-lived climate pollutants, and other air pollutants by between 40% and 80% by 2063.
The estimated benefits are enormous: prevention of some 200.000 premature deaths per year by 2030 and nearly 880.000 annually by 2063. improvements in food security thanks to increased yields of crops such as rice, corn, soybeans and wheat, less desertification and mitigation of the impacts of regional climate change on temperature and rainfall, especially in regions such as the Sahel.
The regional assessments and agreements emphasize the importance of allocating specific budgets at the local, national, regional, and continental levels to advance the Africa Clean Air program through strategic partnerships and resource mobilization. They also underscore that almost all of the proposed measures have already been successfully tested somewhere on the continent, so the main challenge is not so much technological as it is practical. political will, coherent policy design, and scaling up of positive experiences.
For Tanzania, learning from cities like Nairobi—which has a County Air Quality Act and low-cost sensor networks—, Kampala—with local sensor production and a clean air action plan—, or Addis Ababa—with stricter vehicle emissions standards—can accelerate the adoption of its own solutions. All indications are that recognize the seriousness of the problem and act urgently This will be key to preventing the country's economic growth from being accompanied by an irreversible deterioration of public health and the environment.
The available evidence shows that air pollution in Tanzania, with Dar es Salaam as a prime example, stems from multiple sources: heavy traffic, dirty cooking energy, poorly regulated industries, inadequate waste management, and an agricultural sector that could still become much more efficient and cleaner. Reducing levels of particulate matter, toxic gases, and greenhouse gas emissions requires a combination of ambitious policies, investment in clean technologies, environmental education and regional cooperationThis is essential for future generations to be able to continue their daily lives, study, work, and move around the city without every breath posing a silent risk to their health.