The Impact of Energy Use on Poor Urban Livelihoods in ... - DfID

<strong>The</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> energy use on poor urban livelihoods in Arusha, Tanzania,
<strong>The</strong> Republic is divided into 25 administrative regions <strong>of</strong> which Arusha, located in the
north east, and covering 93 sq.kms and with a population <strong>of</strong> 282,712 (Census 2002),
is one <strong>of</strong> the largest (see figure 3.1). Arusha is divided into 10 districts. <strong>The</strong> district <strong>of</strong>
Arusha Municipality, governed by the elected Arusha Municipal Council (AMC), is the
regional government headquarters and comprises 17 wards. Each Ward has elected
community representatives.
3.3 Economy
Despite GDP growth <strong>of</strong> 6.2% in 2002 (Kigoda:03), Tanzania is a highly indebted
country with a weak economy. In 2001 the country qualified for debt relief amounting
to approximately US$3 billion over the next 20 years and nearly half (45%) <strong>of</strong> the
government budget is drawn from foreign aid. (Mramba:03)
Unemployment is a serious problem, particularly for youth and women who are more
vulnerable to unemployment than men and this in part explains why the informal
sector is the most dynamic part <strong>of</strong> the Tanzanian economy in both employment
generation and provision <strong>of</strong> relatively cheap basic commodities. By 1990 the
informal sector was contributing between 20-30% <strong>of</strong> GDP.
Arusha is an important centre for tourism and the location <strong>of</strong> non-governmental
organisations (NGOs). In 2000/1, 60% <strong>of</strong> its employment was agriculturally related.
(HBS:0/1). Its economy also benefits from medium-size industry including textile
spinning, brewing, and mining <strong>of</strong> precious and semi-precious minerals. In 2002 it was
identified as among the nine highest urban centres <strong>of</strong> industrial growth in Tanzania
but since then there has been an industrial decline.
3.4 Socio-economic conditions and services
3.4.1 <strong>Impact</strong> <strong>of</strong> urbanisation
In Tanzania, as in other African countries, there is a lack <strong>of</strong> adequate social services
and infrastructure for the rapidly growing urban areas. This lack <strong>of</strong> delivery is leading
to urban poverty and decay. <strong>The</strong> public sector’s inaction is being filled by the
residents’ spontaneous actions which are frequently contrary to the plans <strong>of</strong> public
authorities. Such actions have led to the development <strong>of</strong> the 'informal' city. 18 Both rich
and poor live in the ‘informal’ areas <strong>of</strong> Tanzania's cities.
Arusha, only a third <strong>of</strong> which is 'planned', experiences inadequate provision <strong>of</strong>
services and the 'informal' development common elsewhere in Tanzania's urban
areas.
3.4.2 Education
Education has consistently received the highest government investment. This
together with the Primary Education Development Plan (2001-2006) (PEDP) 19 has
resulted in some improved education indicators for the primary sector. In 2002, 97
18 <strong>The</strong> informal city comprises informal settlements, informal economic activities, unregulated and not
provided for urban development; a breakdown <strong>of</strong> law and order, slums and poor urban environment.
19 <strong>The</strong> PEDP (2001-2006) ensures that every 7 year old is enrolled in Class 1 and abolishes primary
school fees. <strong>The</strong> Plan focuses on the construction <strong>of</strong> additional classrooms to cope with the huge
increase in the number <strong>of</strong> children. Under the Plan parents and local committees are supposed to start
initial construction <strong>of</strong> classrooms (foundations and walls) and the government then funds the completion
and furnishing <strong>of</strong> the building.
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Development Planning Unit, UCL London
Dr. Sheilah Meikle and Patrice North