Local Livelihoods in a changing world : A minor field study from Bagamoyo, Tanzania

Abstract: Bagamoyo area in Tanzania is a place full of potential for development and big projects are about to start. A few kilometres outside of Bagamoyo town, the small place Makurunge is situated. Since Makurunge is located close to a big sugar cane project that is about to start and it is included in a development plan of Bagamoyo township, it will possibly be facing many changes in a near future. This thesis aims to explore the local livelihoods in Makurunge with focus on the local population’s perceptions concerning their present lives, visions and constraints. These thoughts are discussed together with the possible future impacts from the development projects in the area. To explore the objectives with this thesis a qualitative field study in Tanzania has been done. Semi-structured interviews, informal talks and focus group discussions have been done with local people in Makurunge. Interviews with people working at the district office, for the government and some NGOs in the area have been held. The results show that the livelihood situation in Makurunge is difficult and people want to improve their lives. Many people are small-scale farmers or charcoal producers, dependent of natural resources and their physical strength. Some also have small businesses and the economical situation is very hard for everyone. Bad roads, low education and lack of job opportunities together with limited access to modern tools, have been identified as obstacles for them to pursue good livelihoods. The presumed changes from the developments in the area could possibly contribute to a more active community with more money flow and an improved infrastructure. Together with empowerment and greater knowledge the people could hopefully get a more sustainable livelihood situation in the future.