Ukame roads impact study baseline survey

Impact evaluation covers the period 1975-3/80 and is based on site visits, document review, interviews with Government of Tanzania (GOT) officials, and a survey of project beneficiaries. A survey of 23 villages was conducted to discern the impact of the 400 miles of project roads built 1975-6/79 (i.e., the South Road from Tanganyika Packers to Komolo and the North Road from Monduli to Loliondo) on infrastructure, economics, and the quality of life. Although the roads, especially in the South, clearly have greater use than envisioned, the absence of pre-project baseline data prevents detailed analysis. The GOT appears to value the roads highly -- it has placed the roads under the direction of it"s Regional Engineer in Arusha to assure adequate maintenance, has added connecting feeder roads, and plans to widen the roads and add two bridges. Although GOT projects are still based more on an area"s needs than its accessibility, the roads have speeded implementation of these projects. An extensive review of commerce, church mission activities, and tourism in the project area revealed that: charcoal burning and applications for land leases (near the South Road) rose; sand and charcoal transport improved; demand for trucking licenses grew; church activities expanded in the North and were facilitated in the South near Kibaya; tourism -- climbing, camping, and safaris -- increased near Lake Natron in the North; and non-availability of means of transportation has consistently impeded full exploitation of the roads. Village residents generally feel that the roads have had a positive impact, aside from a perceived increase in crime instigated by unwanted outsiders. The anticipated problems of an increased number of visitors and of greater independence among children have not yet materialized but may become evident in the next 5 years.