Rural Livelihood And Poverty In Tanzania: A case study of Mkinga District, Tanga Region

Abstract

This paper aims to examine rural livelihood and poverty in Tanzania within communities at Mkinga district, Tanga region. Livelihood diversification is not well understood and adopted as a coping strategy due to various risk, shocks and uncertainties in the study area. To alleviate poverty, government should promote livelihood diversifications together with associated variables that influence access to livelihood assets. Establishment of adaptation measures, inland aquaculture, tourism and other income generation activities can subsidize their struggle for survival. It should be noted that in rural areas development of agriculture sector plays a vital role. However, the efforts of the government and other stakeholders in rural development should put the same efforts on non farming activities such as adaptation measures on climate change, rural insurance, rural finance, extension services to fishers and favorable business environment.

Key words: Livelihood, livelihood framework, Assets.