Uranium Mining And Local Communities Livelihood Expectations In Namtumbo District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in order to assess the local communities` livelihood

expectations from uranium mining in 2016 at Namtumbo District, Tanzania

specifically in Likuyu ward in which three villages were involved namely

Likuyuseka, Mtonya and Mandela. Data for this study were obtained through

documentary review, survey, semi structured interviews and Focused Group

Discussion methods in which a representative sample of 96 heads of households was

used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data

using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software while qualitative data

were analysed by using content analysis.

Findings from the study revealed that majority of the respondents had negative

attitude on the importance of mining company to their livelihoods. It was further

found that local people have diverse expectations from uranium mining in which the

leading ones were provision of employment, road construction, water supply,

support in education and doing business with mining company employees. The

current benefits provided by the uranium mining companies appeared to be contrary

to the local people`s livelihood expectations. There are also challenges that hinder

attainment of local people livelihood expectations like lack of education, poor

governance and poor communication network.

Generally uranium mining company in the area of study has failed to meet most of

the expected benefits by the community members. The study recommends for the

government to increase awareness through provision of education. Also the

government need to manage the diverse expectations of the local communities by

establishing dialogue with the communities so as to ensure timely and thoughtful

mitigation measures are put in place