24 June 2002
Dakama
The Dakama Area Development Programme (ADP) covers an area of 525km2, comprising eight villages in the Maswa District of Tanzania’s Shinyanga Region. The majority of the population of over 40,000 is engaged in farming and livestock keeping. Most people prize cattle ownership. Men traditionally marry young, as they receive cows as dowry. Having many wives and cattle is regarded as wealthy.
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 Dakama ADP
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Education
Most schools in the district have mud walls that crumble in the rainy season, suspending classes until repairs can be made.
There are insufficient teaching materials and school furniture and it is difficult to attract trained teachers to the area because of the lack of teacher accommodation.
The ADP builds and repairs classrooms and teachers’ houses. It supplies furniture, text books and school equipment, holds training workshops for teachers, and organises inter-school exam competitions to encourage and motivate pupils and teachers.
World Vision runs a school feeding programme, providing a nutritious midday meal for children that increases the children’s ability to concentrate and encourages attendance.
Health
The most common health problems in Dakama ADP are malaria, respiratory and skin infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea, intestinal worms and anaemia. Malnutrition, poor sanitation and lack of safe drinking water contribute to many of these. Illiteracy also plays a part as it limits people’s ability to understand health education.
The ADP trains village health workers and traditional birth attendants, equipping them with bicycles and first aid or delivery kits. It assists in the immunisation of children under five and women of childbearing age, and conducts community meetings, often using video or drama to educate people in preventative health measures. Most villages now have access to health units. World Vision renovates and equips health facilities, and builds school latrines to improve sanitation.
Water
Access to water is a problem in Dakama, with most people having to walk several kilometres to their nearest water source.
The ADP builds rainwater tanks at schools and dispensaries and helps construct wells. It helps form and train water user committees to take responsibility for monitoring and maintaining water sources. The incidence of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, has reduced as a result. The ADP aims to reduce the walking distance to a reliable water source to 400m by the time of the programme ’s completion.
Agriculture
Drought, crop pests and diseases, fluctuating markets and a lack of seeds, fertiliser and tools have all affected crop production.
The ADP helps form farmers ’ support groups. It trains the farmers in improved agricultural techniques and supplies them with seeds and fertiliser. Demonstration plots show farmers the benefit of using ox-drawn equipment, organic fertiliser and planting drought-resistant crops.
Environment
Indiscriminate felling of trees for firewood or charcoal production has eroded soil, a situation further aggravated by overstocking of cattle and goats.
The ADP helps the community raise tree seedlings to distribute to individuals, schools and other institutions to plant. It uses a cultural group and videos to explain how to care for the environment. The community has reserved over 100 hectares of native trees and established laws to penalise anyone felling trees or grazing cattle in the reserve.
Income generation
World Vision helps establish women’s, men’s and youth groups, which can apply for loans through the ADP’s revolving fund scheme to establish small businesses.
World Vision and the people of Dakama ADP envisage that by late 2006 the community’s development will be at a level that no longer requires World Vision assistance. We will keep you updated on their progress.
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