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The primary aim of this study was to explore the Socio-economic impact of circular
migration in Kilolo District from the 1960s to 2000s. It specifically intended to analyze
the historical factors behind circular migration and to assess the socio-economic impact
of circular migration in this district. Additionally the study anticipated to explore how
and why circular migration came to a decline from 2000s. Throughout the study the
focus was Kilolo district (part of the former Iringa rural) involving keen scrutiny of
events that lay behind circular migration and their socio-economic impact in this area
during post-colonial Tanzania.
In order for the study to be resourceful, a qualitative research approach and a case study
strategy were employed in data collection, organization and analysis. A case study
strategy was purposively used because it provided ample room for a researcher to study
a phenomenon at greater detail. Furthermore to ensure validity and reliability of the
research instruments, multiple data collection methods were used to supplement each
other. Such research instruments included in-depth interview, focus group discussion
(FGD) and documentary review. Key respondents for this study included male adults
born between 1930 and 1970s and women married to the migrants as well as retire
village Executive officers and Chairmen. These respondents were sampled through
purposive sampling and snowball sampling procedures. The data then were organized
thematically based on specific objectives and were eventually subjected to content
analysis.
The findings revealed that circular migration bears its roots from colonial undertakings
and the legacy remained and kept haunting the post-independent Tanzania. Notable
causes include hardness of life associated with hunger, poor prices of crops, absence of
agricultural inputs, poor infrastructure, head tax, economic development plans that
entailed coercive forces and poor schooling among others. The study also revealed that
circular migratory tendency apart from little temporary benefit to the families
particularly in the period of crisis; it has perpetuated miserable poverty, led to spread of
sexually transmitted diseases, marriage instability and food shortage due to absence of
men, to mention few. Circular migration phenomenon at Kilolo appears to be a remnant
of colonial labour migration, and after independence it slightly took new form while still
maintaining similar socio-economic impact.
In a nutshell, the study is organized into five chapters. Chapter one gives the background
of circular migration and its context, and chapter two is occupied by literature review.
Chapter three dealt with the methodology used where chapter four is a detailed
presentation of results and discussions. Chapter five is the last with a concise summary,
conclusions and some recommendations for further studies. |
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