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
sectors and NGOs only.
has become popular in government
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
