The role of information in sustainability of water projects in Tanzania

The main concern of this study was to examine contribution of information towards sustaining water projects. Specifically, the study sought to explore the types of information that beneficiaries of the water project have, find out ways in which information contributed to the sustainability of water projects, explore the sources of information for water beneficiaries, find out the factors that constrain access to information related to water project, as well as solicit recommendations on improving access to information related to water project. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and focus group discussion. Findings of the study showed that respondents had access to various types of information related to water project. Through access to information, it was possible to conserve the land, use modem fanning methods, make better use of the water available, and minimize costs of maintaining the water project. Most used sources of information were water committee, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs), meetings and workshops. However, findings also revealed barriers to access information. These include lack of up to date/timely information, illiteracy, poverty, poor infrastructure, and language barriers, among others. Recommendations given on improving access to information include mainly improving infrastructure, and provision of adult education. This study recommends improving infrastructure, and provision of adult education, as well as increasing efforts towards combating poverty.