Abstract

This study was carried out in four villages of Gairo Division, Kilo a district, Morogoro Region-Tanzania. The overall objective of this study was to assess the impact of road accessibility on recognition of poverty reduction opportunities. Questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Statistical package for social science (SPSS), version 6.0.1 computer software was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that: Firstly, poverty reduction opportunities listed in the document of the National Poverty Eradication strategy (Tanzania) were relatively more known to rural communities in villages which were more accessible by road than those which were less accessible. Secondly, majority of rural community members recognize land as the main opportunity for poverty reduction. Thirdly, rural community members feel that they were not accessing some of the support provided by the international community for poverty reduction. Fourthly, some development programs were not appropriate for rural situation. Lastly, rural communities especially in interior areas hardly access information. The study recommends that in order to achieve poverty reduction goals, awareness on poverty reduction opportunities should be raised among rural community members, rural roads should be improved; land utilization should be promoted among rural community members.

Key words: Poverty, accessibility, rural development, opportunities, infrastructure.