Household welfare improvement in the Mbulu district of Tanzania: does rural electrification matter?

Abstract

Access to electricity is crucial for basic human activities and serves as a direct measure of energy poverty. In recent years, intergovernmental organizations have made significant strides in rural electrification to ensure energy security for all (rural populations, the poor, and the vulnerable). In developing countries, there is a positive correlation between rural infrastructure enhancement and rural livelihoods. Since the early 2000s, in Tanzania, there has been a major government rural electrification initiative to boost rural development. However, the extent to which rural electrification improves rural livelihoods remains unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of rural electrification on household livelihoods in Tanzania, using the Mbulu District as a case study. The study employed a mixed research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The data were collected from 447 respondents through surveys and interviews with households in electrified and non-electrified areas, where information such as income levels, health, education access, self-employment, and asset ownership was collected. The results indicated a significant 45% increase in household income following electrification compared to non-electrification. About 47% of the respondents earned over 1 000 000 Tsh per month post-electrification, compared to 6% before. Access to modern healthcare improved, with 36% of the respondents being able to afford medication after electrification compared to 13% before electrification. Furthermore, educational opportunities expanded where 31% of the children were enrolled in private schools after electrification compared to 11% before electrification. Asset ownership showed marked improvements, with fewer households living in mud houses (10% post-electrification, down from 22%); all this confirms the significant impact of rural electrification on the improvement of rural development and household livelihood. Our study concludes that rural electrification significantly boosts household income, health service provision, education, and overall welfare which have a significant impact on environmental management. It recommends continued investment and sustained efforts from stakeholders, including the Tanzania Electricity Supply Company (TANESCO) to address challenges hindering electricity service expansion in rural areas. This study provides a foundation for informed policy decisions and actionable strategies to promote sustainable development in rural communities.