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Despite that VTTP was introduced in Tanzania over the two decades ago, there is
inadequate information among the community members on its contribution of such
projects to people’s livelihood and levels of participation. Inadequate rural transport
infrastructure and lack of mobility pose constraints to rural development in Sub-
Saharan Africa including Tanzania. Without physical access to various social-
economic services, centres rural communities would have difficulties in obtaining
health, education and other social services. This study aimed at assessing the
contribution of Village Travel and Transport Programme in improving people’s
income, access to social services and enhancing community participation to
development processes in Kilolo District. A cross-sectional research design was
adopted and data were gathered from a sample of 120 households from four villages
namely Lulanzi, Ukumbi, Utengule and Msalali. The primary data from the
questionnaire was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study
revealed that there was no income obtained by directly participating in the VTTP,
but from other activities as a result of the presence of the road works. The findings,
further, indicate that with improved rural roads there was improved access especially
to social and economic services located away from the villages. In some villages,
where the programme was not fully completed especially the construction of bridges
and culvert, people were still facing difficulties in accessing some of social and
economic services. Regarding community participation in rural road works, the
study reveals that, the majority of the people participated through various ways. It
was noted further that the community was highly involved in implementation and
poorly involved in planning, monitoring and maintenance. Based on the findings, it
could be suggested that the government should ensure that earlier projects are
completed before initiating and supporting new projects. This would encourage
communities to participate more to ensure sustainability than otherwise. |
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