Changing lifestyles in farming societies of Sukumaland: Kwimba District, Tanzania

Madulu, N.F. (1998)

Research paper

This working paper examines the changing lifestyle in rural Sukumaland, Kwimba District, Tanzania. It shows that farming in Sukumaland constitutes an economic livelihood and a social identity. The value of man is in food production and land is distributed at the family level through the traditional land tenure system. However, land has inceasingly become scarce due to population pressure and migration flows of people to other areas are on the increase. Investment is no longer directed at building up livestock and farms which traditionally were a source of pride and prestige. Among youth, investment is largely directed towards better housing and trade rather than to cattle and farming. The attitudes of youth to farming are a clear indicator of the shrinking agricultural sector, at least in terms of investments and labour allocation.

• Sub-Saharan Africa

• All authors: Madulu, N.F.
• Date: 1998
• Title of host publication: ASC Working Paper Series
• Issue: 27
• Name: 27