Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project
Section A
The unsatisfactory outcomes of numerous traditional road transport initiatives in Africa prompted some experts to reconsider the approach to addressing rural transport issues in the early 1980s. A plea for assistance to enhance transport accessibility in the remote Makete District of southwestern Tanzania presented an opportunity to trial a novel strategy.
The concept of integrated rural transport was embraced in analyzing the transport requirements of rural households in the district. The goal was to reduce the time and effort required to access essential goods and services through an enhanced rural transport system. The underlying assumption was that the time saved would be reinvested in activities enhancing the social and economic development of communities. The Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project (MIRTP) commenced in 1985 with financial backing from the Swiss Development Corporation and was executed in collaboration with the Tanzanian government.
Section B
At the onset of the project, Makete District was virtually cut off during the rainy season. The regional roads were in such poor condition that access to major towns was impossible for approximately three months annually. Vehicle traffic was exceedingly rare within the district, and alternative transport options were limited to donkeys in the northern part. Most residents relied heavily on footpaths, which became muddy and perilous during the rains.
Prior to proposing solutions, it was crucial to understand the underlying issues. Little was known about the transport needs of rural households, hence Phase I, conducted from December 1985 to December 1987, focused on research. A socio-economic survey of over 400 households revealed that on average, a household in Makete spent seven hours daily transporting themselves and their goods—a figure seemingly extreme but consistent with surveys in other rural African regions. Noteworthy findings included: 95% of travel was by foot, 80% occurred locally, and 70% involved fetching water, firewood, and trips to milling stations.
Section C
With the primary transport needs identified, Phase II from January to February 1991 saw the implementation of various strategies aimed at reducing time and effort burdens.
Improving the road network was deemed essential to facilitate the import and export of goods to and from the district. These improvements, largely labor-intensive, included training in mechanical workshop operations, as well as the introduction of bus and truck services. However, unlike conventional approaches, this effort also considered local transport needs beyond the road network.
Most goods were transported via footpaths that provided shortcuts over hillsides, but these paths posed significant safety risks and made walking journeys even more strenuous. Enhancing these paths with steps, handrails, and footbridges was a logical improvement.
Finding more efficient means of transport than walking but less technologically advanced than motor vehicles was uncommon. The use of bicycles was limited due to their high cost and lack of available spare parts. Oxen were not utilized at all, but a few households in the northern part of the district used donkeys. MIRTP focused on what would be most suitable for Makete's residents considering availability, affordability, and acceptance. After careful consideration, the project promoted donkeys—cheaper than bicycles—and introduced locally manufactured wheelbarrows.
Section D
By the end of Phase II, it was evident that the selected approaches to Makete's transport issues had varying degrees of success. Phase III, from March 1991 to March 1993, concentrated on refining and expanding these initiatives.
The improvements to roads and the accompanying maintenance system ensured year-round accessibility to the district center. Essential goods from outside the district became more accessible at the market, and prices stabilized compared to before.
Paths and secondary roads were improved based on requests from the community, which also participated in their construction and maintenance. The improvements were well-received by residents, leading to an increase in requests for assistance after just a few upgrades.
Efforts to enhance the efficiency of existing transport services were challenging as most motorized vehicles in the district broke down with no resources for repairs. Introducing low-cost transport options was hindered by the district's general poverty. Locally manufactured wheelbarrows remained too expensive for most households, despite modifications to reduce production time and costs. Local carpenters were trained in the new design to meet demand. However, a wooden wheelbarrow produced locally, costing around 500 Tanzanian shillings (less than US$20) in Makete—about a quarter of the price of a metal one—remained unaffordable for many.
Donkeys, which were introduced to the district, have become more prevalent and play a significant role in transporting crops and goods to market. Initially purchased mainly by wealthier households, increased local breeding should make donkeys more affordable. Concurrently, local initiatives promote the rental of existing donkeys.
It's worth noting, however, that a donkey, costing 20,000 Tanzanian shillings—less than a bicycle—still represents an investment equivalent to half a year's income for an average household. This clearly underscores the need for additional measures to assist rural poverty alleviation.
Section E
Criticism could have been directed at MIRTP for initially employing a top-down approach in which decisions were made by experts and officials before being conveyed to communities. However, commencing the process at the district government level was crucial for responding effectively to the requests of villagers and other rural residents.
Section F
Today, there is unanimous agreement within the district on the importance of improved paths and affordable transport options. This consensus is the result of sustained efforts, particularly from community development officers who played a pivotal role in raising awareness and fostering interest among rural communities.
The concept of integrated rural transport is now firmly established in Tanzania, where a major rural transport program is poised to commence. The lessons learned from Makete will inform this initiative, with Makete District serving as a benchmark for future endeavors.
Questions 27-30Reading Passage 3 has six sections, A-F.Choose the correct heading for sections B, C, E and F from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number,i-xi, in boxes 27-30 on your answer sheet._______________________________________________________
List of Headings
i MIRTP as a future modelii Identifying the main transport problemsiii Preference for motorised vehiclesiv Government Authrities’ instructionsv Initial improvements in mobility and transport modesvi Request for improves transport in Maketevii Transport improvements in the northern part of the districtviii Improvements in the rail networkix Effects of initial MIRTP measuresx Co-operation of district officialsxi Role of wheelbarrows and donkeys_____________________________________________________
Example AnswerSection A vi
27 Section B28 Section C
Example AnswerSection D ix
29 Section E30 Section F
Questions 31-35Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in reading passage 154?In boxes 31-35 on your answer sheet write:
YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writerNO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writerNOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
31. MIRTP was divided into five phases.32. Prior to the start of the MIRTP the Makete district was almost inaccessible during the rainy reason.33. Phase I of MIRTP consisted of a survey of household expenditure on transport.34. The survey concluded that one-fifth or 20% of the household transport requirement as outside the local area.35. MIRTP hopes to improve the movements of goods from Makete district to the country’s capital.
Questions 36-39Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A-J,below.Write thecorrect letter, A-J,in boxes 36-39 on your answer sheet.
36 Construction of footbridges, steps and handrails37 Frequent breakdown of buses andtrucks in Makete38 The improvement of secondary roads and paths39 The isolation of Makete for part of the year
Question 40Choose the correct letter.A, B, C or D.Write the correct letter in box 40 on your answer sheet.Which of the following phrases best describes the main aim of Reading Passage 154 ?
A. to propose that initiatives like MIRTP are necessary in other nationsB. to illustrate the implementation and success of MIRTPC. to explore how MIRTP encouraged the adoption of donkeysD. to caution that projects like MIRTP may encounter significant challengesAnswer:27. ii28. v29. x30. i31. NO32. YES33. NO34. YES35. NOT GIVEN36. D37. I38. G39. E40. B