Problems and Prospects of Rural Electrification in Poor Countries: The Case of Songo Songo Wayleave Village Electrification Scheme in Southern Tanzania

This study investigates the problems and prospects of rural electrification in poor countries with the case study of Songo Songo Wayleave Villages Electrification Scheme (WVES) in Tanzania. WVES is one of the incentives of the project to the affected villages. However, this service will be provided commercially. This study examines the implication of this decision of providing electricity commercially in villages with deep and pervasive poverty. The socio-economic status of the communities, the demand, willingness and ability to pay for electricity services has been analysed. Findings show that although willingness to pay is high, the ability to pay (actual demand) is very low by the majority of the respondents; suggesting that application of TANESCO commercial tariffs to the project area would be a disincentive to many villagers. This decision will also have cost implications to the TANESCO’s installed facilities. It is recommended that special credit be provided to facilitate rural communities in WVES. Also, policy and decision makers should encourage production of broader range of renewable energies and production of micro-hydro energy sources that are both economic and affordable to rural communities

Wildlife Management Areas in Tanzania: A Study of Opportunities and Challenges

In 2003 Tanzania established 16 pilot Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), with the aim of enhancing conservation and poverty alleviation through sustainable utilization of natural resources. This study examines the opportunities and challenges of this policy initiative with reference to the proposed WMAs. Data were collected mainly through consultation with government officials, local authorities, communities and investors. Semi-structured questionnaires and checklist were used to gather information. Findings show that WMAs have potential for poverty alleviation and sustainable conservation. However, the prolonged, time-consuming and costly establishment process, inequitable benefits, lack of entrepreneurial skills and poor governance are some of the serious challenges constraining WMAs. Also, areas with a large wildlife population are reluctant to form WMAs, and the increased wildlife population escalates human-wildlife conflicts. Key words: wildlife management areas, poverty alleviation, opportunities, challenges, Africa, Tanzania