Changes in livelihoods of evicted agropastoralists in Tanzania

The article “Changes in livelihoods of evicted agro-pastoralists from Ihefu Basin in Tanzania” by GB Msigwa and ZK Mvena, published in Livestock Research for Rural Development 26 (1) 2014, looks at the extent of livelihood change and impoverishment among agropastoralists who were evicted from Ihefu Basin in Mbarali District of Tanzania and forced to settle in new areas. The authors collected data through household questionnaires, life stories and focus group discussions from a sample of 110 resettled agropastoralists.

In most cases, impoverishment was evident among the agropastoralists who resettled and lost their livestock, which used to be their main source of income. In order to survive, they were obliged to find new sources of livelihood including running petty businesses, rearing pigs and growing tobacco, simsim and horticultural crops. Other strategies included rebuilding their herds and engaging in animal trade. To enhance the livelihoods of resettled agropastoralists, land-use planning needs to take into account their interests. Appropriate resettlement plans should be put in place before any transformation in land use and eviction of people are started. In addition, livestock and social services should be improved in the resettlement areas.

Posted on 19 August 2017 in Pastoralism & Natural Resources, Pastoralist Livelihoods & Nutrition