In the rolling hills of Tanga, Tanzania, we met O.S (names redacted for security purposes), a soft-spoken farmer whose weathered hands bore witness to decades of cultivating lemon and orange trees. “I lost 69 trees to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP),” he said, his voice heavy with frustration. The compensation of 750,000 TZS barely scratched the surface of what his land and produce were worth. “One tree can produce 500 oranges in its lifetime,” he explained, pointing to the barren patch where his orchard once thrived. “I wish they had just left me my land.”
For O.S, the loss isn’t just economic; it’s personal. His trees symbolized years of labor, hope, and a way of life passed down through generations. But his story is not unique. Across communities in Tanga, we encountered similar tales of displacement, broken promises, and the unyielding spirit of people determined to protect their homes and livelihoods.
The Fight for Land and Livelihood
In Bomba Sita, Tanga, we met F.O (names redacted for security purposes), a fierce advocate for her community. “The EACOP project came with promises of jobs and development, but none of that has materialized for us women,” she shared. “Not a single woman from this village has been hired. They say we lack education, but where are the opportunities for us to learn?”
F.O’s concerns extended beyond employment. She spoke of young girls forced into early marriages due to economic hardships, a problem exacerbated by the displacement caused by EACOP. “We need renewable energy projects that create real opportunities for women and youth,” she said passionately.
Just a few kilometers away, in the orange-farming community of Bomba Sita, the fight is for land. Families who have lived on their plots since the 1960s now face eviction. Despite paying hefty fees to register their land, they’ve been branded as squatters. Their legal battle against the government is ongoing, but the emotional toll is palpable.
Voices from the Frontlines
In the neighboring region of Chongoleani, Baraka, a local environmentalist, guided us through a mangrove forest. These ecosystems, vital for protecting coastlines and supporting marine life, are under threat from EACOP. “Mangroves are food for fish and shield us from tides,” he explained. “If they are destroyed, the fish will disappear, and our way of life will vanish with them.”
Nearby, K.A (names redacted for security purposes), reflected on the emotional and financial chaos wrought by inadequate compensation. “They handed us money with no guidance on managing it,” he said. “Many families have lost everything.”
Despite the challenges, these communities remain hopeful. They dream of solar-powered irrigation systems to revive their farms, solar street lights to ensure safety, and renewable energy solutions to power schools and health centers.
A Path Forward
The stories of O.S, F.O, Baraka, and countless others underline the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions in East Africa. Through the REPower Afrika campaign, we aim to install solar mini-grids and provide community-based renewable energy systems that empower, not displace, these resilient communities.
In October, we held a REnergy Workshop in Kampala, Uganda, where local NGOs highlighted the barriers to renewable energy access: high costs, poor regulation, and limited capacity to implement existing laws. Together, we charted a roadmap to tackle these challenges, focusing on community awareness, resource mobilization, and technical training.
Join Us in Lighting Up Lives
As we push forward with our goal of powering 80 public infrastructures along the EACOP route by 2026, your support is more crucial than ever. Every donation brings us closer to providing:
- Solar-powered water pumps for farming and household use.
- Renewable energy for schools and healthcare centers.
- Solar refrigerators for women-led businesses.
- Streetlights for safer communities.
These are not just energy solutions; they are lifelines for communities battling displacement, the climate crisis, and systemic neglect.
Be part of the change. Donate to REPower Afrika today and help us light the path to a just, renewable future for Africa.
Written By: Anna Amar