Date : 7th Oct 05

Body:
The Rural Development and the Poverty Reduction Strategies both recognize that rural isolation is a major factor in the existing poverty situation. The communities are cut off and are stranded unable to participate in the socio economic development process;- In order for the rural population to improve their lives, they need to access the basic needs and opportunities in agriculture, health, education, financial services and information. It is through access and mobility that the rural sector can perform particularly in agriculture. The communities in rural areas need to be relieved of walking for long distances and carrying heavy loads on their heads through paths and tracks. On the basis of this background, the Village Travel and Transport Programme (VTTP) was formulated in order to address and improve the rural travel and transport situation. It was agreed that VTTP should start with pilot project in selected villages from which lessons and experiences could be learnt before VTTP is implemented on a large scale. The seven districts were selected on pilot basis supported by NORAD, FINNIDA, DANIDA, SDC and World Bank.

     Contact Name: Mr. Richard Lwoga

     E-mail: rlwoga@yahoo.com