Changing lifestyles in farming societies of Sukumaland: Kwimba district, Tanzania
Madulu, Ndalahwa F. / 1998

This paper examines the changing lifestyle in rural Sukumaland. A case study of two villages in Kwimba District is used to demonstrate the nature and extent of the change in life patterns and resource control at the household level. Farming in Sukumaland constitutes an economic livelihood and a social identity. Almost everybody in the rural areas identifies himself/herself as a farmer. There is a widespread belief that food self-sufficiency is an important indicator of material wealth and prosperity. In other words, the value of man is in food production. Throughout Kwimba District, land is distributed at the family level through the traditional land tenure system. However, land has increasingly become scarce due to population pressure and migration flows of people to other areas are on the increase. Traditionally, Sukuma investment was directed at building up livestock and farms which were a source of pride and prestige. Recent developments have necessitated both social and economic change. Among youth, for example, investment is largely directed towards better housing and trade rather than to cattle and farming. Such conditions create a conflict of interest and investment between the two generations. The attitudes of youth to farming are a clear indicator of the shrinking agricultural sector at least in terms of investments and labour allocation. This change may be influenced by many factors such as increasing levels of education, availability of alternative economic opportunities, non-sustainable agricultural conditions, resource scarcity and rapid population growth.