Perceived Role of Rural Roads in Supporting and Enhancing Rural and Agricultural Development in Mwanza Region, Tanzania

Abstract

The aim of this study was to reassess the important role of rural roads in supporting and enhancing agricultural and rural development. The study covered seven districts (units) of 35,187 sq km, with a total population of 2,772,509 (2013 est) in the region. The analysis is descriptive and it is based on secondary data using tables and graphs. The emphasis was to characterise important role rural roads can play in facilitating the movements of goods and services in rural areas. The findings revealed that rural roads in the region are in poor conditions, which influenced the cost of transporting farm produce from rural to urban areas. The study concluded that improved rural roads will benefit more small farmers and individuals residing in rural areas. The regional government should be equipped with finance, personnel and equipment to manage and maintain existing rural roads to ensure effective movement of goods and services in the region. The study suggested that existing rural road conditions need improvement to enhance development in the region. Both national and regional governments should embark on various policies of upgrading and maintaining rural roads to support and accelerate rural development in Mwanza region.