Factors influencing youth rural-urban migration in Tanzania

Migration in Tanzania has been taking place for centuries and was predominantly from rural to other rural areas. But starting with the independence period in the early 1960’s most migratory movements have been from rural to urban areas and affected mostly young people. As the study tries to identify factors influencing youth rural-urban migration, it has been necessary to deal with migrants at both points of origin and point of destination. This study was carried out in Dar es Salaam, Kagera and Kilimanjaro regions in Tanzania mainland and is divided into five chapters. Chapter one deals with historical background of the migration problem. It attempts to analyze migration during the colonial and post colonial periods. This chapter further gives the statement of the problem, specific objectives and significance of the study as well as hypotheses. Chapter two deals with migration classification, characteristics of migrants and theories used in migration analyses. Socioeconomic culture of the rural population is explained and also an attempt is made to discuss and synthesize socio-economic factors behind youth rural-urban migration. Since youth migrants have parents and relatives in rural areas, it is indicated that they send remittances. The purpose of such remittances is examined. Also factors governing return of migrants are discussed and analyzed. Chapter three deals with research methodology. This includes location and socio-economic conditions of the study areas. Theoretical approach and methodology are also explained. Chapter four deals with cross sectional study of the findings in both rural and urban areas. In the findings, it is stressed that hard agricultural work is the major push of migrants from rural areas. It is also indicated that, with exception of education factors, urban social facilities and amenities have little effect in pulling migrants from rural to urban areas, but they are strong in retaining some of the migrants in urban areas. Youth rural-urban migration is shown to take place with the help of relatives and friends who live in urban areas. Once some of the migrants succeed to secure urban jobs they send remittances. The main purposes of the cash remittances found out are of two categories, those sent for investment purposes. Finally the chapter deals with return of migrants. Return is shown to depend on success or failure by the migrant to achieve their pre-set targets. Also, return is shown to depend on modern social facilities and amenities and also on economic opportunities available in rural areas for the retuning migrant. Chapter five gives conclusions and recommendations. Conclusions point out that socio-economic conditions in rural areas which are characterized by low level of productive forces are responsible for pushing migrants to urban areas. Recommendations stress that overall development of rural areas would reduce rural-urban migration. Establishing youth income earning activities and restructuring and implementation of education curriculum for primary schools are mentioned to be more important if youth-rural urban migration is to be controlled