An Evaluation of Undocumented Migrants’ Impact on Land Resources in Tanzania: A Case of Mtwara Region

This paper analyzes the impacts of undocumented migrants on land resources in Tanzania, the case of Mtwara Region. Tanzania receives migrants from neighboring countries and beyond. Some of these migrants come to the country temporarily, whereas others become established permanently in the country. Though some of them have done so in harmony with the appropriate rules, others have come and stayed in the country without the related authorized requirements and these are recognized as “illegal” migrants. The investigation used a sample of 100 respondents, randomly selected from the studied area. The methods used in data gathering were interviews, a questionnaire, a documentary review, and focus group discussion. Several theories relating to national land use are presented to acquaint the reader with relevant prototypes, frameworks, and approaches. The exploration found that there is poor security on the country boundaries, dishonesty, and numerous porous ways, which lead to the inflow of illegal migrants in this southern region of Tanzania, Mtwara in particular. The findings of this research show that the lack of funds and political inclination have led to reduced technology, insufficient number of workers, and inadequate working tools. The research recommends that in order to maintain competence and adequacy in safeguarding the country from illegal migrants, there is a necessity to increase the obligations of the government, communities, and other stakeholders regarding these issues.