Community’s Perception And Attitude On Implementation Of Poverty Reduction Programme (MKUZA) In Zanzibar

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken to assess awareness, perception and attitude of rural dwellers in North ‘A’ District at Unguja Island – Zanzibar. Zanzibar Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (ZSGRP) known as Mkakati wa Kukuza Uchumi na Umaskini Zanzibar (MKUZA). MKUZA started in 2002, has faced numerous problems including poor community participation. The programme has become popular in government sectors and NGOs only. People do not seem to understand its goals. Four villages (Chaani, Kibeni, Nungwi and Mkokotoni) were purposefully selected and about 27 respondents in each village was randomly selected. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire as well as focus group discussions and key informants interview. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). A logit regression model was used to estimate the influence of socio-economic and other external factors on respondents’ awareness and attitude regarding poverty reduction and economic growth. Over 90% of respondents interviewed had low level of awareness on poverty reduction implementation respectively. The small potion of respondents who had positive attitude. Respondents’ level of education, income, access to information and family size had significant influence on their awareness regarding poverty reduction . Majority of respondents had negative attitude. All of them were engaged in petty business and tourism activities implying, that they were economically better off to compare the farmer. More public education, sensitization, campaigns and capacity building are required to raise public awareness regarding Poverty Reduction strategy and related initiatives such as MDGs.