Exploring The Socioeconomic Contributions of Refugees To Agricultural And Fishing Sectors, The Case of Kigoma, Tanzania.

Nalinga, Ally Salehe (2025) Exploring The Socioeconomic Contributions of Refugees To Agricultural And Fishing Sectors, The Case of Kigoma, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study explores the socioeconomic contributions of refugees to the agricultural and fishing sectors in Kigoma, Tanzania. While refugee influxes are often perceived as burdens on host communities, emerging evidence suggests that displaced populations also stimulate local economic development. Guided by the Strengths-Based Approach (SBA), this dissertation employed a qualitative case study design to examine how refugees enhance agricultural productivity, support the fishing industry, and integrate economically within host communities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary reviews involving refugees, host community members, and social workers. Thematic analysis revealed that refugees have introduced innovative farming practices, promoted crop diversification, and strengthened food security. In the fishing sector, they have improved preservation methods, widened market networks, and contributed to sustainable fishing techniques. Social work interventions were found to be central in providing training, legal support, and conflict resolution, thereby fostering constructive refugee host relations. Despite these contributions, challenges such as restrictive policies, limited access to land and permits, and competition for resources continue to constrain refugee participation. The study concludes that refugees should be recognized as active economic contributors and recommends policy reforms and strengthened social work support to enhance sustainable refugee–host collaboration. Keywords: Refugees, socioeconomic contributions, agriculture, fishing, Kigoma, social work interventions, Tanzania.

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