Project identification in Tanzania

In response to a request from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the author went to the Kagera region of Tanzania as a member of a team of three in December 1991. The object of the mission was to identify and formulate a series of development orientated project proposals in order to improve the levels of living and earnings of both the Rwandese refugees and the nationals of the host country, aiming at better integration of the refugees in the host areas. (Ref 1) The emphasis was to be on sustainability and minimal hard currency input. In total 15 projects were identified ranging from potable water supply to AIDS orphans assistance. The area included the whole of the Kagera region. The paper will outline guidance for project identification based on this mission. The project identification stage of sustainable development is very important, expectations should not be raised, but the local community should be encouraged and motivated. Also existing work should be networked, to strengthen structures and avoid duplication.