Gravel roads maintenance (GRM) is essential for the national economy of developing countries like Tanzania, where over 75% of the road network remains unpaved. Effective GRM management is crucial for sustaining these vital transportation routes and ensuring economic stability and growth. This study explores key management strategies for GRM, emphasizing the importance of extending the life cycle of road infrastructure through well-managed gravel roads maintenance projects. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing a questionnaire survey administered to 385 professionals involved in road construction and maintenance. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing various statistical features. This rigorous analysis aimed to explore the most effective strategies for GRM based on the experiences and insights of industry professionals. The study revealed five key GRM strategies that are essential for the effective maintenance of gravel roads: These were off-prism strategy, risk management strategy, maintenance fund strategy, delivery and procurement strategy and construction materials strategy. Using the Pareto principle, the two most highly ranked strategies (off-prism and risk management strategy with mean value of 1.85 and 1.82 respectively) were identified as critical areas of focus. An implementation matrix has been proposed to provide clear maintenance guidance. The identified GRM strategies are recommended for implementation to enhance the efficiency of GRM projects in Tanzania, accounting for 53.5% of the variance. By focusing on the off-prism, risk management strategies and delivery and procurement strategy, significant improvements in road maintenance can be achieved, benefiting Tanzania's road infrastructure and economy.
