Contribution of motorcycle transport business in the rural economy of Tanzania: a case of Kazimzumbwi Ward, Kisarawe District, Coast Region

The study assessed the contribution of motorcycle transport business popularly known as “Bodaboda” in the rural economy of Tanzania using the case of Kazimzumbwi Ward in Kisarawe District, Coast Region. Generally, the study intended to assess the contribution of motorcycle transport business in the promotion of the rural economy of a developing country like Tanzania. Specifically, it sought first of all to establish the social and economic profile of the study area namely Kazimzumbwi, secondly to identify the number of motorcycles and frequency of trips, thirdly to determine the pattern of use of motorcycle transport business for economic activities and lastly to establish the effects of availability of motorcycle transport business on village economic performance. A total number of 70 respondents were sampled consisting of 17 motorcycle riders, farmers (20), traders (17), livestock keepers (8), workers (7) and key informants (3 local officials/leaders). Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used for collecting data and this was later analyzed using thematic approach and by the help of SPSS. The study found out that in addition to providing employment to rural youth motorcycle transport business was very helpful to farming activities, livestock keeping, trade, building of houses, as well as employees of a nearby Luck Cement factory. The rural population was able not only to cut down many hours that would have been spent on walking but also could transport with relative ease, faster and cheaply their produce (such as cassava) to the market place, farm inputs, shop merchandise and building materials. The villagers conceded that the coming of motorcycle transport business has helped to create jobs and ease transport problems considerably. It can therefore be concluded that the rise of motorcycle transport business in rural areas has helped to open up an otherwise unreachable remote part of the country thereby expanding agricultural activities, rural construction and trade activities, and through that increasing rural incomes and reducing poverty. It is recommended that local governments and NGO’s supporting rural development should exploit the opportunity created by Bodaboda to expand production and reduce poverty by strengthening extension services, expanding credit facilities.