Socio-economic Factors Influencing Migrant Labourers in Western Regions of Tanzania: Evidence from Kibondo District, Kigoma Region, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines the socio-economic factors influencing migrant labourers in Kibondo District, Kigoma Region. The research focuses on exploring their interactions, conflicts, economic relationships, consumer behaviour, skill development, and the socio-economic conditions in both their places of origin and destination. The study specifically investigates male migrants from Burundi with limited education who migrate to Kibondo in search of political stability, job opportunities, and higher wages. A snowball sampling is adopted to recruit 196 respondents to participate in the study. Findings show that the push-pull factors driving migration in the study area are resource endowment, societal status aspirations, job prospects, and economic opportunities in their places of origin. The study identifies various challenges faced by these migrants during their early employment stages, including late wages, health problems, verbal abuse, and wage disputes. Moreover, the research highlights the economic ties maintained by migrants with employers, neighbours, and fellow migrants while noting their limited interaction with the host community. For the post-migration, the study reveals that migrant workers experience increased economic empowerment, manage family expenses, support children’s education, alleviate poverty, and acquire financial skills. However, regular savings pose a challenge. The study underscores the importance of different stakeholder support for the migrants through education and skill development programs, gender-specific support interventions, financial inclusion and literacy, social support networks, diversification of economic opportunities, and policy interventions.