Masurura

Masurura is a small village that is part of the Musoma district in the Mara region, located in Tanzania. It has a population of approximately 4,055 people. The average annual income in the village, like other surrounding villages, is about TSH 150,000/- (139 CAD). Villagers suffer from poverty and related health and social problems. An extensive needs assessment exercise was conducted in 2008 and 2009 through numerous village meetings and dialogues with the local community and government. The community identified the lack of electricity and water as critical concerns, and requested assistance to develop income-generation initiatives.

Electricity: Over 80% of rural villages in Tanzania do not have access to electricity. They rely exclusively on fuel-based units such as kerosene lamps (sometimes mixed with petrol) to illuminate their homes, and on burning biomass for cooking. The negative health and safety effects associated with the use of kerosene lamps and biomass is well documented. Problems include burns from direct contact, accidental fires that result in destruction of individual homes, schools or even entire villages. Toxic fumes from the kerosene lamps contribute to respiratory infections and vision problems. Solid fuels used for lighting account for roughly 4-5% of deaths worldwide, of which half of the 2 million deaths were children who suffered from acute lower respiratory infections.

Water: The village depends entirely on rainfall to meet its water needs. Rainwater is collected in a small reservoir that is shared by the villagers and livestock; this has resulted in an increased susceptibility to water borne illnesses such as cholera, bilharzia, and dysentery. A diesel powered ground water distribution system had been installed a few years ago by the local government; however, the system is currently out of commission because the villagers cannot afford the cost of diesel to power the pump.