Kilimanjaro - Tanzania Online Gateway

1.6 Migration:
It is generally believed that the population of the region would
have been much higher than the quoted figure of 1,104,068 (1988
population census). The Wachagga and their neighbours the
Wapare have a tradition of seeking green pasture. Population
Census analysis indicates that Kilimanjaro region during the period
of 10 years (1978-1988) experienced relatively a higher figure of
- 124,383 Net lifetime migration to other regions of the mainland.
The negative net lifetime migration figure means that the region
was losing more people to other parts of the country than those
moving in. This is the highest figure in the country followed by
Iringa region which had - 120,198 net lifetime migration (Table
VI). In fact the Wachagga people might be the most mobile
ethnic group in the whole country, found in large numbers in all
regions either schooling working, permanently settled or during
business.
The most basic reason behind this sort of movement lies in the
agricultural sector. The sector has failed to satisfy economically
the rural population and particularly so, the young generation. The
high population density already experienced in the rural areas in
the region has made it imposssible for the agricultural sector to
absorb or accomodate more. Lack of industrial development in
the region has also contributed to this net outflow.
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