Exploring alternatives for a low-carbon future: cases of strategic environmental assessment from Tanzania
ISSN: 2754-1312
Article publication date: 11 July 2023
Issue publication date: 30 October 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to offer empirical insights into the role of alternatives analysis within strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in implementing low-carbon development (LCD) as part of Tanzania's efforts to tackle climate change.
Design/methodology/approach
The study design is cross-sectional multi-case. It draws on six SEA cases from Tanzania. Data were collected from SEA reports and subsequently analysed qualitatively using content analysis. The analysis framework was derived from the best practice literature and focused on determining whether and how alternatives were identified, assessed and selected and where and how LCD aspects were included.
Findings
The findings reveal that the practice of alternatives analysis is generally weak and varied. Gaps identified include neglect of alternatives, lack of transparency, a focus on mitigating harm, lack of inclusiveness and partial integration of LCD considerations.
Practical implications
Many countries are still developing their SEA systems, which requires building on local experience and adapting to local circumstances. Tanzanian SEA practitioners appear to place little weight on alternatives analysis and perform SEA using outdated, impact-based approaches. The study outlines policy recommendations for working more effectively with alternatives in Tanzania and comparable contexts.
Originality/value
There is a noticeable lack of scholarly emphasis on SEA processes that effectively identify, evaluate and select alternatives aligned with explicit societal values and concerns. This study focuses on the alternatives analysis stage, offering novel insights into the potential for constructing a desirable, low-carbon future. The cases studied show that an LCD-focused analysis is feasible and can be improved with the right theoretical and methodological approaches.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding from the University of Dodoma is acknowledged. The authors also thank the editor and four anonymous reviewers, whose comments and suggestions considerably improved this manuscript’s quality.
Funding: This work was funded by the University of Dodoma.
Citation
Rweyendela, A.G., Pauline, N.M. and Lema, G.A. (2023), "Exploring alternatives for a low-carbon future: cases of strategic environmental assessment from Tanzania", Technological Sustainability, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 353-371. https://doi.org/10.1108/TECHS-03-2023-0013
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited