Shinyanga and Mwanza - Under the project Migration, Environment and Climate Change in the United Republic of Tanzania: Examining the Causes and Consequences of Climate Change-Induced Internal Migration funded by International Organization for Migration (IOM) Development Fund, IOM – the UN Migration Agency – in collaboration with the Environment Division of the Vice President’s Office facilitated sensitization and dialogue forums and key informant interviews in four regions of the United Republic of Tanzania.

In March 2021, IOM successfully conducted forums and key informant interviews in Kigoma and Katavi regions – areas of destination of cattle herders from Shinyanga and Mwanza regions. Throughout the data collection activities, participants confirmed the steadily increased transhumance from northern parts of the country. This could subsequently contribute to environmental degradation and socio-economic issues, as well as generate tension over natural resources between pastoralists and host communities. Furthermore, women and children accompanying the herd could be at risk of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as in some cases there was no access to social, health and educational services.

To enhance understanding of the causality relationship between southward movement of livestock and driving forces including climate variability and socio-economic elements, forums and interviews were also facilitated in Shinyanga and Mwanza in April 2021. Exploring the key drivers of transhumance, participants shared experiences and opinions on how pastoral practice and mobility are being influenced by environmental challenges such as drought, water shortage and land degradation.

Participants were from District offices, communities, non-government organizations, community-based organizations, local University and herders/farmers associations.

The desired outputs of sensitization and dialogue forums and key informant interviews include:

1. Evidence on the southward pastoral mobility from Shinyanga and Mwanza to Kigoma and Katavi regions,
2. Improved understanding of role of climate change in making decision in relation to herding and cattle movement and
3.  Increased knowledge on the consequences of transhumance onto herders, their family members and host community

These data collection activities will be followed by household survey and focus group discussion in subsequent months, which aim at collecting further quantitative and qualitative data on the nature of migration in the context of climate change

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Reuben Mbugi at rmbugi@iom.int or tel.: +255 718 983 910

Mr. Hyeonggeun Ji at hyji@iom.intor tel.: +255 718 983 910