Browsing by Author "Munyanganizi, Henry Rwamasasa"

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    Impact of rural feeder roads on development: a case study of Kilosa district
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 1983) Munyanganizi, Henry Rwamasasa
    Kilosa District rural roads programme is part of the rural development programmes being undertaken by the Irish Development Agency in the District. The agency has undertaken to improve two rural roads by building bridges and culverts and grading the roads to all weather conditions. The two roads, Myombo-Kidete and Rudewa-Nongwe are to serve the communication stricken mountain areas of Rubeho and Nongwem in order to enable the people in that part of Kilosa District to raise their standards of living, by improving agriculture, marketing produce and gaining access to socio-economic infrastructures. The people of the area at the moment face severe lack of rural roads and rural transport to link them to sources of farm inputs, markets for agricultural produce sources of contacts for extension agents, health services, communication systems and other necessary social infrastructures. The study was designed to analyse factors which affect the development of rural areas in Kilosa District namely: 1. The difficulties faced by farmers in obtaining farm inputs, sources of farming knowledge and social infrastructures. 2. Examine socio-economic situation and conditions of living and suggest ways of improving them. 3. To evaluate impact of rural roads programme on agricultural production, increase accessibility to social-economic infrastructures which will help in uplifting rural conditions of living of the people of the area. In order to arrive at meaningful conclusion/recommendations, a review of rural roads programme in Tanzania beginning from early days of colonization was made. A historical accont of the development of transport communications, roads and railways with specific emphasis on roads was taken. Ways and appropriate techniques of appraising roads in relation to Tanzanian economy were examined. The techniques applied in the study are Benefit Cost B/C ration and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) which were based on the results obtained from estimates on road-user's benefits (operating cost savings) and induced agricultural benefits. The study reviewed population structure, farming systems, communication and transport systems and marketing facilities in the area. It turned out to be that there is an apparent lack of rural roads and rural transport, markets for farm inputs and agricultural products, accessibility to health services, extension agency, severe lack of employment opportunities coupled with low incomes and low standards of living, and low prices for farm produce. Based on the findings it was recommended that Kilosa District Rural Development Programme should go ahead to improve the two roads to all weather conditions. Following the improvement of the roads extension services should be stepped up both in number, mobility and skill. Adequate inputs both for livestock and crops be introduced to farmers as soon as possible in time and frequency. Storage facilities at village level or central locations to be built, and should be done as soon as co-operative societies are reviewed. Prices for most agricultural produce are to be raised to step up farmers' morale, reduce cost of production and raise incomes. It was found necessary to build health centres for both people and livestock in the area. Also post primary institutions (Secondary schools and vocational centres) should be built to open up employment opportunities