Land Use Changes and its Implications on Livelihood Activities in Msaranga Peri-Urban Settlement in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania

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.