LOCAL NOTIONS OF PARTICIPATION AND DIVERSIFICATION OF GROUP ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN TANZANIA

Abstract

Rural economy and livelihood in Mbinga used to have fully depended on coffee. However, due to the decline of economy under the influence of economic liberalization, coffee production was declined, and the farmers have faced problems. Due to the changed situation, they began searching for economic opportunities and information, and this created the need to work together to solve problems. While having interaction with SCSRD project, it has emerged as Sengu Committee and farmers' groups. The Sengu Committee was formed during construction of a hydro-mill, and it was named as sengu so as to inherit spirit of sengu and work with one aim. The formation of Sengu Committee and the subsequent activities led establishment of groups, which carry out activities related environmental conservation and diversification of economic activities. Some groups have engaged in reciprocal labour as part of group activities, others diversified capacity-built through group activities into other activities such as construction of water supply and a mini hydro-mill. Participation is taking place in different forms according to the context.