Journal of African Studies and Development 2017, Vol. 9(5): pp. 67-81
Despite the fact that irregular migrants (IRMs) have often been facing a lot of challenges in sustaining
their livelihood in Kasulu District, yet in recent years, there has been an increase of IRMs from within
and outside Kasulu District in search of casual labour in the local community. The study therefore was
undertaken in four villages in Kasulu, Kitanga, Kagera-Nkanda, Mvugwe and Nyachenda. Specifically,
the study aimed to determine the driving factors of irregular migration, to assess smallholder farmer’s
attitude towards IRMs, and finally, to identify how the IRMs are affected by their interaction with
smallholder farmers in Kasulu District. The study on which the paper is based used a cross- sectional
research design whereby data was collected at one point and time. The study employed random
sampling, purposive and snowball sampling techniques to get 120 respondents. Data were collected
using a questionnaire, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and direct observations.
Quantitative data were analysed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) whereby
descriptive statistics were determined. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The
results show social, cultural, economical and political factors are responsible for the irregular migration
observed in Kasulu District. It is thus recommended that, the immigration department and other
security organs working along the border should establish several entry posts either permanently or
mobile along the country borders to deter IRMs and ease visa issuance process for those migrants
wishing to enter the country legally.