Effectiveness of the village resource assesment model: a case study of six villages in Igawilo ward

Developing countries are facing resource crises and have limited regional planners with advanced regional science. To resolve these problems of resource crises, several models have been developed and are being used in resource assessment . For example, in Tanzania there are Belshaw, RIDEPs and Village Resource Assessment(V. R. A. ) models. However, their practicability is questionable at village or district level with scarce regional planners. The aim of this study is to investigate the applicability of the V. R. A. model developed by Schuler in assessing resources at village or district level by doing a rapid appraisal. The aims, objective of the study together with the background of the problem are discussed in chapter one. Chapter two covers the study area. It shows the location relief and how land resource is used. Chapter three presents the literature review and the methodology used. Various models used in Tanzania are analysed. V. R. A. model was chosen for testing its applicability in resource assessment in Igawilo ward, one of the mostly densely populated areas in Mbeya District. Four hypotheses concerning availability resources were proposed in which the V. R. A. model was tested on its applicabilty. Data concerning land resource were collected by the use of Uyoletopograpic sheet of Scale 1:50,000,air photos and researchers observation. The household data particularly dempgraphic and socioeconomic details were collected by the use of structured questionnaire from 300 households sample which was 10% of the total household in the study area. Chapter four discusses the findings on resource availability in relation to population requirement in the study area. It shows resource crises and how people respond to it. Chapter five discusses the usefulness of the V. R. A. model in resource assessment and its limitations. This chapter also presents an alternative model to the V. R. A. Chapter six presents the summary along with conclution and recommendations are made. The villages are facing resource crises particularly land resource (for crop cultivation and livestock grazing) and labour resource. The V. R. A. model is an effective tool for resource assessment at village or district level in developing countries with local planners. However, there are some omissions which need to be filled in order to be more comprehensive.