African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2017; 12 (26): 2202-2214
Despite the fact that irregular migrants (IRMs) have often been facing a lot of challenges in sustaining
their livelihood in Kasulu District, in recent years, there has been an increase of IRMs from within and
outside Kasulu District in search of casual labour in the local communities. The study therefore was
undertaken in four villages in Kasulu, Kitanga, Kagera-Nkanda, Mvugwe and Nyachenda to determine
the contribution of IRMs to the growth and prosperity of smallholder farmers. Specifically, the study
aimed to; compare agricultural productivity among farming households employing IRMs and those not,
identify smallholder farmers’ reasons for employing or not employing IRMs and identify
problems/issues in relation to smallholder farmers and IRMs interaction. A cross-sectional research
design was adopted for the study in which simple random sampling, purposive and snowball sampling
techniques were employed to select a sample size of 120 respondents. Data were collected using a
variety of methods, that is, 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. In addition, gross margin analysis was done to
determine farmers’ maize and beans production profitability. Qualitative data were analysed using
content analysis. Generally, results show that households employing IRMs recorded a higher
productivity both for maize and beans: The households also recorded significantly higher gross
margins for both crops. Nonetheless, the results also show existence of a general negative attitude to
IRMs by farmers in the study area. It can therefore be concluded that employment of IRMs is benefiting
the households involved. However, based on the negative attitude by most of the surveyed households,
there is need for the relevant authorities to ensure the well-being of both the recipient communities and
that the IRMs are maintained. In addition, there is a general need for education for both the recipient
communities and the IRMs with regard to the right procedures to be followed by migrants under the
international law.