The impact of rural —urban migration on rural liveliThe impact of rural —urban migration on rural livelihoods in Tunduru district, Tanzaniahoods in Tunduru district, Tanzania

This study examined the impact of rural-urban migration on rural livelihoods in Tunduru District Ruvuma region. It also looked at the causes of rural-urban migration in the study area and assessed the linkages that exist between areas of origin and areas of destination as well as coping strategies used by the people tell behind in the area of origin. Primary and secondary data were collected using methods such as structured and in-depth interviews, observation, focus group discussions and literature survey. About 115 respondents in rural Tunduru were interviewed and about 36 respondents from Tunduru District who live in Dar es Salaam city were also interviewed, they were selected through snow ball sampling technique. The statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 N\ as used to analyze the data. The findings showed that there is high rate of rural-urban migration in Tunduru district caused by both push and pull factors. Among the dominating push factors were such as inadequate livelihood opportunities (35%), Food shortages (21%) and lack of employment opportunities (19%). The pull factors were such as better livelihood opportunities in urban areas (48%), availability of employment opportunities (35%) and better social services (17%).The study also found out that, rural-urban migration in Tunduru District had a number of impacts on rural livelihoods. It contributed to the increase in financial assets (29.3%), social assets (21.9%), natural assets (10.5%), political assets (10.5%) and physical assets (17.5%). However, on the other side, rural-urban migration had an adverse impact on rural livelihood such as decrease of productive force (33.8%), overburdening to families (17.8%) and insecurity of properties (15.8%), marriage instabilities (11.1%), destruction of customs and traditions (8.4%), and spread of diseases (6.8%). It was found out that the people used different strategies to cope with difficulties resulting from outmigration. These included, getting assistance (39%), selling farms and crops (27%) deducting the size of land for cultivation (10%), selling livestock (17%) and tolerance (7%). Generally, the study recommends that the government of Tanzania should put up measures to control the increased rate of rural-urban migration. This should include boosting up agricultural activities and creating an enabling environment for the establishment of various economic activities in the rural areas.