Browsing by Author "Lounio, Tomi"

This study is about the relation between population dynamics and livelihood change in the Kara farming system on Ukara Island, Tanzania. The population densities on Ukara have been exceptionally high since the 18th century, which has been made possible by a complex set of soil conserving measures utilised by the local Kara farmers. According to the data derived from national censuses, the population densities on Ukara have been rising rapidly since the late 1970s. This research is based on 49 thematic interviews, 87 questionnaires and focused observation conducted during a 5-week ethnographic fieldwork on Ukara Island in early 2013. The majority of interviews were conducted in two villages, Bukiko and Bwisya. The historical changes in land use and population levels were established through a review of relevant literature and official documents. The Sustainable Livelihoods Approach was utilised in framing the inquiry and in analysing the local livelihood portfolios. The findings show that the local households have been troubled with insufficient amounts of cultivable land for decades, and out-migration has acted as a safety valve in controlling population pressure on land. This has culminated in the voluntary and forced re-settlements of local Kara farmers to the mainland in year 1974 as part of the Ujamaa villagisation programme by the socialist government. Since the re-settlements, the population densities have risen, however, and three explanations for this have been found. Firstly, the wide-scale adoption of tuber crops cassava and sweet potato, instead of the traditional cereals bulrush millet and sorghum, has allowed the local farmers to produce more calories per hectare than before. The crop choice and reduction of fallow periods seem to be the only major modifications in the local cultivation patterns, and no advanced technologies or inputs are used. Secondly, the rapid development of the commercial fishery on Lake Victoria has absorbed surplus male labour from the local farming households. Due to the strictly seasonal nature of the fishing of silver cyprinid (dagaa), many of these men are still considered as full members of their sending households and can also contribute to the farming activities when needed. Thirdly, the new economic opportunities related to the growth of the fishery are allowing many farming households to diversify their livelihood portfolios through many non-farm activities. Nonetheless, it is evident that not all households have equal access to such opportunities, and successful diversification by some households has led to social differentiation and, according to some informants, to diminishing social cohesion.