Socio-Economic Impact of Rural Electrification Projects in Tanzania:

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of the rural electrification project on employment opportunities and to identify its impacts on employment opportunities, healthcare services, and agricultural practices in Nyasa District. The philosophy of positivism, a quantitative approach, and a descriptive design were employed, utilizing a sample of 350 household heads selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. The findings revealed that rural electrification significantly impacted employment, healthcare, and agriculture. Regarding employment opportunities, rural electrification accounted for 56% of the variance (R² = 0.56, F = 12.34, p < 0.02), with a mean score of 3.79 (SD = 1.19), demonstrating its critical role in promoting business expansion, small-scale industries, and job creation. For healthcare services, electrification explained 66% of the variance (R² = 0.66, F = 17.45, p < 0.01), with a mean score of 3.84 (SD = 1.17), underscoring its importance in extending healthcare service hours, enabling the use of essential medical equipment, and improving emergency care. In agriculture, electrification contributed to 64% of the variance (R² = 0.64, F = 16.88, p < 0.01), with a mean score of 3.89 (SD = 1.16), supporting modern irrigation systems, agro-processing, and reducing post-harvest losses.The study concluded that continued investment in rural electrification was essential for enhancing employment, healthcare access, and agricultural productivity in underserved areas. It recommended that policymakers prioritize rural electrification as a critical strategy for socioeconomic development. Furthermore, the study suggested that future research should explore the long-term effects of electrification on rural communities.