Abstract:
Dams have been in use since the early 20th century. For instance, the Aswan High Dam in
Egypt was built in 1889-1902 mainly for controlling flooding, water storage for irrigation and
generates hydroelectricity. The general objective of this study was to assess socioeconomic
contribution of dams toward poverty alleviation in Tanzania. Specifically, the study intended
to determine social contributions of Nyumba ya Mungu dam, examine economic contributions
of Nyumba ya Mungu dam and examine communities' perceptions on Nyumba ya Mungu
Dam. A case study research design was used where by primary data were collected through
structured questionnaires, Focus group discussion and Documentary review. The sample size
of the study was 100 respondents from communities' surrounding the dam. Data were analysed
using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and cross tabulations. The study
found that, water for domestic use, source of food due to availability offish and enhances
construction of health facilities are social benefits to the local communities. In examining
economic contributions of Nyumba ya Mungu dam the findings show that fishing activities,
irrigation activities, livestock husbandry, retail businesses and increase in agricultural
production. In examining communities' perceptions on Nyumba ya Mungu dam the study
found source of employment, recreation, flood control, source of hydropower, and greater
agricultural productivity are the communities' perception. The study concluded that, the dam
has a socio-economic contribution to the communities surrounding the dam by providing water
for domestic use, source of food, hydroelectricity, creates employment and increase in
agriculture production. The study recommended that, the government should provide
extension services and training to the communities on irrigation so as to increase agricultural
production, since the study has revealed that the dam contributes to agricultural production
due to availability of water for irrigation purposes.
