Changing Livelihoods And Adaptive Capacity Of Agro-Pastoralists Evicted From Ihefu In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

There are numerous incidences of impoverishment and livelihood change in pastoral societies following transformation in land use and ownership and their livelihoods. Both in theory and practice, pastoral production has demonstrated flexibility in adapting to different risks. This study sought to investigate the changing livelihoods and adaptive capacity of the agro-pastoralists evicted from Ihefu Basin in Mbarali District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to: (i) Examine the planning and implementation modalities of resettling pastoralists; (ii) Assess stakeholders’ perception of and attitudes towards the eviction process; (iii) Investigate what changes took place in the livelihoods of pastoralists as a result of resettlement; (iv) Examine the livelihood strategies used by agro-pastoralists to adapt to resettlement areas; and (v) Analyze the determinants of agro-pastoralists’ adaptive capacity in the resettlement areas. Structured Questionnaires, life histories, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from a sample of 176 respondents. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 16. Descriptive and inferential analysis (Chi-square, t-test and ANOVAs and F-test) were conducted. Developed indexes were used to examine livelihood changes and adaptive capacity of the resettled pastoralists. The results indicated that the government and its institutions had insufficient preparation plans to accomplish pastoralists’ resettlement process. This led to the majority of resettled pastoralists having a negative attitude to the whole eviction process. The results further revealed that there were positive changes in the livelihoods majority of resettled agro-pastoralists. The majority of resettled agro-agro-pastoralists adopted different adaptive strategies and were able in accessing several livelihood capitals and institutional process. Such capabilities were considered to be good adaptive capacity. Availability of good pastures and water, different skills, culture and traditions, government and institutions were noted to be important in enhancing adaptive capacity of resettled agro-pastoralists. The study recommends that in order to enhance the livelihoods and adaptive capacity of resettled agro-pastoralists; policy and decision-makers should revisit the planning and implementation modalities for resettling agro-pastoralists. Infrastructure such as rural roads, water supply, schools, extension and veterinary services and marketing information should be improved.