Comparison of income gain activities in informal and formal settlements: a case of Buguruni and Tabata wards in Ilala municipality Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania

Insecurity of land tenure and property are common attributes of urban informal settlements in the developing country. The study aims to compare income gain in informal and formal settlements of Dar es Salaam City, assessing different forms of land tenure and IGA in urban informal as well as formal settlement and also analyzing the spatial pattern of income gain activities in urban settlements. The sample area of the study is Buguruni and Tabata suburbs. The methodology adopted in carrying out this research includes literature review, data collection through discussion and interview with land department’s offices in the city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The study has indicated most of plot owners have used land for Income Generational Activities (IGA) while using any spaces for residential purpose even without formal property rights. Furthermore the study reveals that socio-economics status of plot owners and spatial qualities of plots are major factors, which determine scale and type of IGA, or partner plots. Finally the study concludes that upgrading of land tenure alone cannot address the needs of the urban poor and it must be accompanied with provision of basic infrastructure facilities.