Socio-Economic Contribution of Dams Toward Poverty Alleviation in Tanzania: A Case of Nyumba ya Mungu Dam in Mwanga District

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.