Analysis of Participation of Labour Based Road Contractors in Rural Road Works in Tanzania

Labour based method is a construction technology that prioritizes the use of labour rather than equipment. The method can contribute to poverty alleviation through creating job opportunities for local communities in rural areas and at the same time optimizing the use of local resources. As such, Labour based method (LBM) is considered as one of the most significant and effective methods in infrastructure development in developing countries. This study intended to assess the participation of labour based road contractors in rural road works in Tanzania. The objective of the study is focused assessment of participation of labour based road contractors (LBC) in rural road works in Tanzania, specifically with focus on assessing the extent of participation of LBC and identifying the challenges facing Labour Based Contractors. The study employed the use of structured questionnaires which involved labour based road contractors, labour base clients and labour based stakeholders. The findings reveals that the participation of LBC in rural road works in Tanzania is low in terms of number of LB projects advertised, number of district participating LBC, LB works awarded to LBC and road maintenance activities used labour based methods.