Abstract:
This study examines land use changes and its implications on livelihood activities of peri-urban
settlements in Msaranga, Moshi Municipality. Specifically; it analyses the historical development
of the settlement, her socioeconomic characteristics and land use changes over time. Likely, it
finds out existing livelihood activities and how have been changing over time in the context of
urbanisation and lastly highlights land use change implications on livelihood activities to
residents. Interviews, observations, documentary reviews and mapping were data collection tools
employed. The study shows that Moshi and Msaranga settlement have developed since colonial
era with different socioeconomic characteristics include increase in- population growth over time
and existence of different socioeconomic activities. The study shows that housing, urban
agriculture, roads infrastructure, recreational, open spaces and institutions are some land use
types existing in the settlement. On-farm and off-farm livelihood activities have been identified
in the settlement. These include crop cultivation, livestock keeping, trading and formal
employment and have been changing over time. However, urbanisation observed to be catalyst
of change and affect livelihood activities over time. Resorting to off-farm livelihoods activities
including engaging in retail business and seeking employment in formal and informal sector are
some coping strategies documented. The study wind up by pointing roles of different actors and
issues of particular attention to different stakeholders towards reducing the impact of land use
changes on livelihood strategies in the settlement. The study concludes that the impact of land
use changes on livelihood activities need collaborative effort of different stakeholders as well as
public private partnership in cities where land use is rapidly changing over time.
