Risks, livelihoods and vulnerability to flooding in Kyela District, South-western Tanzania

Abstract

This study aimed at establishing how local livelihoods had changed due to flooding in Kyela District, Tanzania. Both primary and secondary socioeconomic data were gathered using a household questionnaire and qualitative methods. The questionnaire was administered to sample households in three villages. Secondary data were gathered through literature search. Findings from this study show that sample villages have experienced normal flooding, occurring between April and May, and excessive flooding which occurs in cycles of 5-10 years. Local people perceive a decrease in frequency and magnitude of flood occurrence. Associated biological changes have included the disappearance of some banana and orange tree species, disappearance of some wild animals, and rotting and drying out of some cocoa and banana trees. Other impacts have included outbreak of new crop diseases. Socioeconomic consequences have included destruction of crops, animals, buildings and other infrastructure. Others have included the outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases. Coping strategies to excessive flooding have been temporal. Communities’ response to flooding has differed according to the economic access qualification of concerned wealth groups. The rich (mnoge) have coped well by shifting to higher areas, and hiring or buying farmland disposed off by other wealth groups. They also employ cheap labour from among the poor (ndondo). During and after floods the mnoge buy commodities from other and sell them to the flood affected people at a profit. The ndondo are the most affected group as they are less able to cope with the situation. Often they are forced to sell their assets at very low prices, and end up living on begging or working for other wealthier groups.