Impact of potato farming on migration in Tanzania: a case of Uporoto highlands, Mbeya Region
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Date
2015
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This thesis evaluates the impact of potato cultivation on migration of people in the Northern Highlands. This study has four objectives; the first objective assesses the factors that contribute to the migration of people to the Highlands and the second objective assesses the impact of potato farming on the livelihoods of migrants and natives. The third objective assesses the relationship between the potato and migrant farmers in the Northern Highlands and the fourth objective assesses the impact of potato farming and migration on the environment. This study has used statistical and qualitative methods in collecting and analyzing information. The results of this study show that low income, poor agricultural production, unsustainable markets and family space are some of the factors that push people to move to the mountainous areas of Portugal. In addition, the presence of good weather, good fertile soils, markets and sustainable infrastructure are the reasons why people move to the Northern Highlands. In addition, the results show that the act of making potatoes a commodity, selling labor in the potato fields, and changes in crop varieties and careful cultivation of potatoes have contributed to the change in lifestyle among locals and migrants. Potato farming has enabled farmers to access a variety of resources, education and improve their health. In addition, the results showed that the use of phone calls, visits, letters, emails and gifts are among the means of communication used by migrants in their contacts and destinations. Changes in methods and equipment for potato production, fertilizer use have continued to cause erosion. The Specialist proposes that with due regard to the conservation of land, the proper lending system and farmers' compensation subsidies should be fully managed by the government to increase the capacity of farmers and raise their living standards and increase their income. In addition, there is a need to support farmer development associations that can harness the economic power of potato farmers and help improve their living conditions. Finally, there is a need for the government to intervene to solve the problem of increasing land use conflicts in rural areas as well as urban migration to ensure the well-being of land-dependent village residents.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HB1952.T34B34)
Keywords
Migration, Internal, Potato growers, Uporoto highlands, Mbeya region, Tanzania
Citation
Bakari, H. (2015). Impact of potato farming on migration in Tanzania: a case of Uporoto highlands, Mbeya Region, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam.