MAKETE INTEGRATED RURAL TRANSPORT PROJECT

A more integrated approach to transportation planning resulted in changed priorities and a new way of thinking. This article explains how the Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project in south-western Tanzania reduced the need for mobility and improved transportation options. The concept of 'integrated rural transport' was adopted to illustrate the intention to look closer at the transportation needs of the rural households and the problems that impeded the success of the traditional transportation projects. The objective was to reduce the time and effort needed to obtain access to essential goods and services through an improved rural transportation system. The underlying assumption was that the time saved would be redirected towards activities that would enhance the socio-economic development of the communities.