Exploring Rural to Urban Migration Among Tanzanian Youth: Understanding Neoliberal Influences

The research examines the phenomenon of rural to urban migration among Tanzanian youth and aims to identify the neoliberal theory that best explains this migration pattern. The transition from socialist developmentalism to neoliberalism in Tanzania has led to economic, political, and social changes. Factors such as economic opportunities, social factors, poor educational facilities, demographic factors, and others influence youth migration from rural to urban areas. The study employs a descriptive research design and qualitative data analysis to explore the topic. The findings will contribute to understanding the impacts and drivers of youth migration in Tanzania.

Running head: WHICH NEOLIBERAL THEORY BEST EXPLAINS RURAL TO URBAN
MIGRATION AMONG TANZANIAN YOUTH
Which neoliberal theory best explains rural to urban migration among Tanzanian youth
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1WHICH NEOLIBERAL THEORY BEST EXPLAINS RURAL TO URBAN MIGRATION
AMONG TANZANIAN YOUTH
Acknowledgement
Sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of those who have helped, motivated and encouraged me for
conducting this study. I am indebted to my supervisor ……………………. whose guidance,
advice and patience have been immeasurable. My sincere thanks to all members of the …
[Mention your university/college name], both staff and students, whose continuous support have
made this thesis possible.
I would like to thank the participants in the study: students, teachers and Local Education
Authorities, for the time and help given throughout. Without their participation, this research
would not have been possible. In this context, I am also thankful to them, whose research work
helped me to execute this paper well.
Finally, I thank my family, for whose mental support has helped me to complete this research
paper. Thank you

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Abstract
The foundation of neoliberalism effecting migration of youth from rural to urban settlement
represents itself as a doctrine based on a reality of modern economics. The explanation of the
ideology of neoliberalism and modern economics dates back to the work of Sir Adam Smith, in
his book ‘The Wealth of Nations’. The primary criticism of Adam Smith’s work has been
criticised on the point that the ‘wealth of the nation’ is not derived from the aggregation of
wealth of the country but from the growth and development of the labour force of the nation. The
mid 1980s in Tanzania have seen a shift from socialist developmentalism to neoliberalism by
freeing their markets and privatising existing government undertakings on the advice of the
World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The structure that has developed is partly
public and partly privatized (Schroeder 2008). Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the first President of
Tanzania, a staunch socialist stepped down from his position in 1985, his gesture gave way to the
new storm of neoliberalism and privatization. The effects of the transition were felt at the
economic, political and social level. There was increased involvement of NGOs along with an
increase in crime rates and corruption. The pitiful condition of majority of the under-developed
nations in Africa can be attributed to the wasteful and inefficient allocation of resources on the
part of the government. The paper strives to find out the best neoliberal theory that best describes
the rural to urban migration of youth in Tanzania. In addition, it also strives to find out and
discuss the most crucial aspects that instigate and influence youth migration from rural to urban
settlement in the country.

3WHICH NEOLIBERAL THEORY BEST EXPLAINS RURAL TO URBAN MIGRATION
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................7
1.0 Overview................................................................................................................................7
1.1 Problem Statement.................................................................................................................8
1.2 Research Aim.........................................................................................................................9
1.3 Research Objective................................................................................................................9
1.4 Research Question...............................................................................................................10
1.5 Structure of the dissertation.................................................................................................10
1.6 Summary..............................................................................................................................12
Chapter 2: Literature Review.........................................................................................................13
2.0 Overview..............................................................................................................................13
2.1 Neoliberalism as discussed by Graham Harrison................................................................15
2.2 Neoliberalism as discussed by David Harvey.....................................................................15
2.3 Neoliberalism as discussed by Terry Flew..........................................................................16
2.4 Theories in relation to rural to urban migration...................................................................17
2.4.1 Traditional economic model.........................................................................................17

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2.4.2 Structural model............................................................................................................19
2.4.3 Harris Todaro Model....................................................................................................19
2.4.4 Lewis’s Model of Rural-Urban Migration....................................................................19
2.4.5 The Fei-Ranis Model on Rural-Urban Migration.........................................................20
2.5 Migration of Tanzanian youth and Neoliberalism...............................................................21
2.6 Factors influencing Tanzania Youths to migrate.................................................................22
2.6.1 Economic Factors.........................................................................................................22
2.6.2 Social Factors................................................................................................................24
2.6.3 Poor Educational Facilities...........................................................................................25
2.6.4 Demographic Factors....................................................................................................25
2.6.5 Other Factors................................................................................................................26
2.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural and Urban life in Tanzania.....................................26
2.7.1 Advantage and Disadvantages of Rural life in Tanzania..............................................26
2.7.2 Advantage and Disadvantages of Urban life in Tanzania............................................27
Chapter 3: Research Methodology................................................................................................29
3.0 Overview..............................................................................................................................29
3.1 Research Outline..................................................................................................................29

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3.2 Research Philosophy............................................................................................................30
3.2.1 Reasons for Choosing Interpretivism...........................................................................30
3.3 Research Approach..............................................................................................................30
3.3.1 Reasons for Choosing Deductive method.....................................................................31
3.4 Research Design..................................................................................................................31
3.4.1 Reasons for Choosing Descriptive design....................................................................32
3.5 Research Strategy................................................................................................................32
3.5.1 Reasons for Choosing Case study method....................................................................33
3.6 Data Collection process.......................................................................................................33
3.6.1 Reasons for Choosing Secondary data collection process............................................33
3.7 Data Analysis Process..........................................................................................................34
3.7.1 Reasons for Choosing Qualitative data analysis process..............................................34
3.8 Research Ethics....................................................................................................................35
3.9 Accessibility Issues..............................................................................................................35
3.10 Summary............................................................................................................................36
Chapter 4: Thematic Analysis of the Findings..............................................................................37
4.0 Overview..............................................................................................................................37

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4.1 Theme 1: Neoliberal theory that best explains rural to urban youth migration...................37
4.2 Theme 2: Impact of rural to urban youth migration............................................................40
Chapter 5: Conclusion...................................................................................................................43
5.0 Overview..............................................................................................................................43
5.1 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................43
5.2 Scope for further research....................................................................................................45
List of references...........................................................................................................................46
Appendices....................................................................................................................................52

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Chapter 1: Introduction
1.0 Overview
The research topic of this dissertation being the migration of Tanzanian youth supported
by a Neoliberal theory, it is important to understand that the basis of the neoliberal rule of
aggregation that is instigating rural to urban migration is inequality in the society. This lays
down challenges for social, political, ecological, cultural and other factors in Tanzania and other
sub-Saharan countries. The foundation of neoliberalism effecting migration of youth from rural
to urban settlement represents itself as a doctrine based on a reality of modern economics. The
explanation of the ideology of neoliberalism and modern economics dates back to the work of
Sir Adam Smith, in his book ‘The Wealth of Nations’. The primary criticism of Adam Smith’s
work has been criticised on the point that the ‘wealth of the nation’ is not derived from the
aggregation of wealth of the country but from the growth and development of the labour force of
the nation. Smith did not discuss about the concept of migration that adds positive as well as
negative effects to the wealth of the nation, along with several other aspects like the social,
political, ecological, cultural aspect of the nation.
Cities are the centre where capital is accumulating and capitalism is flourishing, globally.
Globalization and neoliberalism have been the factor that has been driving the concept of rural to
urban migration in Tanzania. Neoliberalism in the African continent had started with the
implementation of Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) in early 1980s. The program had
reshaped the state’s role as a guardian of the neoliberal project that attempted to provide a stable
investment environment and a flourished neoliberal market (Connell 2010). Globalization is a
broader and multi-dimensional concept and process than that of the neoliberalism, the link

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between the two is not straight-forward and simple (Carmody and Owusu 2016). Good
governance for urban planning and settlement has been denoted as the resolution to several social
issues like poverty, illiteracy and different urban ailments. Obeng-Odoom (2016) has established
the connection of urbanization and neoliberalism where it was noted that the current urban
ailment are the cause and effect of severe rural to youth migration, globally.
The cities are at the verge of space saturation for it is facing extreme population
explosion, yet that does not stop the rural population to migrate to the cities, for they promises
better wages and standard of living. The cities are, although, experiencing economic bloom and
prosperity by way of the rapid growth of several informal job roles and sector, however, they are
also facing several inter and intra-urban issues. As per the 2014 World Urbanization Prospects
(United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division 2014), 64%
of the global population lives in urban areas and it has been projected that the percentage would
increase to 66% by the end of 2050. The urban population strength has seen the growth from 746
million to 3.9 billion, in 1950 to 2014. World’s 90% rural population is housed by African and
Asian countries, is expected to contribute to the global urban settlement growth and development
by 2050 (UN, 2014). The African countries are specially observing phenomenal urbanization as
they have recorded the fastest urban growth than anywhere else globally. Therefore, the UN has
projected in their report that the African continent is expected to be the fastest urban settlement
by 2020 to 2050 (UN, 2014).
1.1 Problem Statement
Neoliberalism and rural and urban migration of youth in Tanzania is inter-connect and
goes beyond the theoretical approach that is discussed by the researchers and scholars. The

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different approaches and theories of neoliberalism explains migration differently. The
phenomenon of migration and ‘the movement of people and their geographical relocation’ is not
new as argued. He pointed out that people are always ‘on the move’ and they have ‘moved great
distances’ for their own needs and wants. Historically, the movements of nomads, missionaries,
traders, have been a topic of debate and discussion. Different types of migration have been
justified with different theories which are subject to different reasons and circumstances as well.
As argued by Cross et al. (2006), no universal or specific definition of migration exits as
different forms of migration is being defined and explained differently. Different theories and
models of neoliberalism explains migration, internationally and as well as regionally. As for
Tanzania, it needs to be researched and understood that there are various reasons for the rural to
urban migration of youths and there are theories of neoliberalism that discusses the process best.
This research seeks to discuss such different reasons of migration along with pointing out the
neoliberal theory that explains migration of the youth from rural to urban settlement.
1.2 Research Aim
The aim of this study is to find out the best neoliberal theory that best describes the rural
to urban migration of youth in Tanzania. In addition, it also strives to find out and discuss the
most crucial aspects that instigate and influence youth migration from rural to urban settlement
in the country.
1.3 Research Objective
The objective of the study is:
 To discuss the different neoliberal theory that explains rural to urban migration of the
youths in Tanzania.

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 To find out the various factors that influences youth migration from rural to urban
settlement in the country.
 To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the rural and urban life that is
experienced by the Tanzanian youths.
1.4 Research Question
The following are the most crucial research questions:
 How neoliberalism connects with migration and influences youth migration from
rural to urban settlement in Tanzania?
 What are the factors that influences youth migration from rural to urban settlement in
Tanzania?
1.5 Structure of the dissertation
This paper would be divided into five chapters, namely:
a) Introduction
b) Literature review
c) Research Methodology
d) Thematic Analysis of the findings
e) Conclusion
The first chapter, which is the introduction, give a brief idea on the research topic which
revolves around the new liberal theory that best explains rural to urban migration of youth in
Tanzania. It gives a sketch of the research overview, aims, objectives, questions as well as a
detailed structure of the paper.

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The second chapter, which is the literature review, discusses about what migration refers
to in context to Tanzania along with the application of neoliberal theory on migration. Different
approach of new liberal theories has been discussed in this chapter in context to migration.
Neoliberal theories of David Harvey and Harrison Graham have been highlighted in relation to
the research topic. Among the different theories, the one that best explains the rural to urban
migration of Tanzania news have been pointed out and has been discussed in depth. In addition
the different factors that influences youth migration from rural to urban settlement has been
researched on and put forwarded. In this context, the advantages and disadvantages of rural and
urban settlement has been evaluated as well.
The third chapter, which comprises of the methodologies and ethics of research help the
researcher first to collect the relevant data and information and then to evaluate and investigate
the matter by the help of different research methodologies, techniques and ethical considerations.
Methodologies like the research philosophy, approach, design and strategy are used to classify
the data that is relevant for the study. While the secondary source of data has been chosen as the
source of Data collection process for this research paper. The secondary source of data comes
from books journal articles official websites, government websites, newspapers, et cetera.
The fourth chapter, which is the thematic analysis of the findings, discusses about the
relevant data that has been collected with the help of secondary sources with the help of certain
themes or concepts. This is known as thematic analysis. The thematic analysis chapter would
select certain crucial key words or specific matters that would help to examine and evaluate the
collected data.

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Lastly, the fifth chapter, which is the conclusion would lay down a summation of the
overall research paper and would strive to link the discussion with the aims of the research. It
may lay down certain recommendations if found in the course of the research study pertaining to
rural to urban migrations of Tanzania youths.
1.6 Summary
The research paper strives to discuss the new liberal theory that best describes rural to
urban migration of Tanzania youth which may have certain effects on both the rural and urban
settlement. Neoliberal theories have been discussed in depth pertaining to rural to urban
migration of the youths in Tanzania. Additionally, the effective factors that drives the concept of
migration among the particular section of the society is research on and put forwarded. Along
with the brief overview this chapter list down the aims and objectives of the study and framed
certain research questions which are imperative for carrying the research forward. In the above
subsection the entire structure of the dissertation has been laid down in detail.

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Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.0 Overview
The roots of neoliberalism lie in the concept of liberalism. It is the new form of liberalism
that took global prominence from 1979. It is a process that frees national economies to make
them accessible and open to international corporations and bodies, and other economies (Larner
2003). Liberalism was popularized by Adam Smith through his 1776 work The Wealth of
Nations, which endorsed and advocated an economic structure free from all forms of control and
restrictions by the government leading to free trade, enterprise and competition. The success of
this economic structure largely depends on social transformation (Evensky 2015). The theory
assumed that an agreement voluntarily entered by two willing parties would ensure that the
agreement is beneficial for both (Friedman 1962). The impact of the Great Depression and works
of economists like John Maynard Keynes highlighted the importance and significance of some
form of intervention by the government reducing the impact and importance of the principle. As
an effect of neo-liberalism, the affluent section of society began to get benefited over and above
the economically backward section, that needs the maximum help and support.
Many factors make up the concept and application of Neo-Liberalism as presented by
Shah (2010). They are:
Prevalence of the rule of the market

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Adam Smith also propounded that there exists an ‘invisible hand’ that regulates the
demand and supply forces in the market. This determines the price structure and the quantity of
production that industries should undertake to meet the demand of people.
Reduction of the funds allocated for social services and welfare
The government should not provide additional benefits or advantages to its citizens, this
is a means of increasing incompetency and encouraging citizens to be lazy. Without a cushion
provided by the government individuals will be motivated to fend for themselves and do acts that
are beneficial to them, and in turn to the economy and the country.
Privatization of existing national undertakings
This increase the level of efficiency and competition of the different departments.
Privatization not only motivates the private organizations to excel and do better but are beneficial
for citizens by providing them with options and choices. Therefore, to survive in a competitive
and privatized market product price, quality and invention are vital.
Replacing concepts of public good or community with that of individualism
In order to propagate public good and community feeling the government plays an
important role in integration of its citizens with feelings of nationalism, however if individualism
is encouraged citizens have a motivation to excel and do well, which in turn benefits the country
as a whole. This also motivates entrepreneurial spirit among citizens.
Reformation of the tax system
The tax structure should be such that a free market structure and entrepreneurial activities
are propagated and supported. Import and export potential of a country should also be considered
while developing the tax structure. The structure should encourage free trade with other nations

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Neo-liberalism encompasses within its ambit concepts of reduced protectionism, reduced
subsidies, promotion of privatization and economic liberalization. Neoliberals also resort the
success of the theory to certain assumption. The theory assumes that individuals make informed
and rational decisions and have access to complete information. Individuals and firms have
different interests that are satisfaction and profits respectively.
2.1 Neoliberalism as discussed by Graham Harrison
The development of African politics and policy has been highly motivated by
neoliberalism, whose impact has not been limited to the economic structure but transcends
towards social transformation. An economy cannot function in isolation and is thus aided by
social and political factors. For an economic discipline to succeed the same must be integrated on
a social level where the citizens, who make up the majority of the workforce understand and are
in tune with the system. The idea is of a market society and not only a market economy
(Harrison 2007).
In Africa most of the states followed an authoritarian structure, which neoliberalism
relied on for furthering its economic liberalization. As these took place within a top-down,
undemocratic structure the growth of the economy was limited. The work of Harrison aims at
drawing a distinction between neoliberalism and capitalism. Even in instances where
neoliberalism has caused development it has taken the route of corruption and fraud.
2.2 Neoliberalism as discussed by David Harvey
The term Neoliberalism can be used to imply a number of different things apart from just
a theory or set of ideas, it also refers to a political strategy and period in. The concept of
neoliberalism arose at a time communism was on the rise and the power and unity of the labor

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force needed to be curbed. Harvey extended the Marxist political theory to neoliberalism. The
work Social Justice and the City ties in urbanization to neoliberalism while reestablishing the
Marxist idea of the importance of social phenomena and political involvement. The freeing of
economic constraints has a positive impact on private properties and multinational corporations.
In the present scenario the concept of freedom has affected the availability of work in
factories and manufacturing units. There has been a sudden displacement within the production
sphere. Along with ‘uneven spatial development’. Harvey’s position and stand with
neoliberalism and its impact is anti-capitalist and disparities in the economy would cause an
upheaval and social movement leading to social transformation. In Harvey’s view neoliberalism
aims to restore class power when faced with economic crisis, by giving lesser power to the ruling
class.
In the views of David Harvey neoliberalism can be a theoretical perspective, a political
project aimed at freedom for entrepreneurs that lead to the well-being of humans. Market failure
occurs from excessive intervention of state authorities, the role of the state is merely to ensure
freedom to its subjects. The theory of Neoliberalism despite being an economic structure requires
a certain level of assistance from the related political bodies. The premise of his work was
“Accumulation by Dispossession”. The theory though based on a fairly even distribution of
wealth has a very different result when based in reality. His ideology views occurrence of shift in
four processes – privatization, financialization, management and manipulation of crisis; and state
redistribution.

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2.3 Neoliberalism as discussed by Terry Flew
Terry Flew attempts to define neoliberalism with 6 concepts as neoliberalism has a very
broad application.
1) All-purpose denunciatory category – neoliberalism as a term has been over used and
often incorrectly to define almost anything (Nonini2008).
2) The way things are – need an understanding of current political and financial structures
3) Neoliberalism has had more impact on the English-speaking parts of the world as
opposed to the European continent and Eastern Asia.
4) Neoliberalism is equated with economic globalization and increased capitalism as it is the
first ideology that encourages individual entrepreneurship by freeing markets and trade.
5) A new form of governmentality and hegemony. It is also seen as an ideology to benefit
the economic elite and propagate their power, money and class
6) The emergence of a new ideology within the liberal framework.
2.4 Theories in relation to rural to urban migration
Migration plays a key role in urbanization with certain factors contributing to migration and
there being various kinds of internal migration (Todd, Clarke et all. 2017). The role of towns and
their importance in poverty reduction cannot be undermined while studying migration in
Tanzania (Christiaensen et all. 2018)
2.4.1 Traditional economic model
Under this model the motivation for migration within a nation is maximization of
individual utility and needs. The new locations are seen as areas with higher benefits and better
living standards. Tanzania has witnessed an increased rate of internal migration from the rural to

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the urban areas these are broadly attributed to marriage and increased income opportunities. A
study of 2015 reveals that migration in Tanzania not only happens from a rural to urban scheme
but can have several patterns and structures. Rural to urban migration comprises of only 17% of
the total migration pattern in 2004 while most happen between two rural areas or back to urban
areas (Hirvonen and Lilleor 2015).
The work of De Weerdt and Hirvonen 2016 has listed employment opportunities,
educational opportunities, existing employment, healthier lifestyle, marriage as some of the main
reasons for migration in Tanzania. Weather conditions and natural factors such as droughts,
floods, water shortages, and crop disease also play a vital role in determining the location of
migration (Tanzania National Panel Survey 2008-2009). The weather however affects only a
certain section of the society (Kubik and Maurel 2016).
The economic and social structure of Tanzania in both the rural and urban sector act
towards helping an individual’s decision to migrate. All migration as per market theory happens
due to push and pull factors. In the rural areas there is a dearth of employment opportunities
outside the scope of agriculture. This combined with poor infrastructure for commute and travels
between areas, prevent the hard-working youth from travelling to and from work. They are left
with little to no option while migrating for work. The educational facilities in rural areas are
limited, for bright and ambitious youth to find better scope of academics they are compelled to
move to places with better educational opportunities and facilities. These act as a push factor for
migration. The urban areas also represent a better and improved lifestyle along with transport
and entertainment facilities making up the pull factors.

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World systems theory view migration as a natural response to globalization and
weakening of national boundaries. As per this theory the dominant economic and political
structures of the world being capitalism naturally encourages migration.
2.4.2 Structural model
Dependency Model attributes migration unequal growth and distribution of wealth that
encourages migrants towards developed areas. This migration however has a negative impact on
the growth of the rural areas, as most of the skilled and hardworking youth depart.
A network is created among the migrants and former migrants, this helps with the migration as it
reduces costs and risks of migration.
Cumulative Causation Theory views migration as self-sustaining resulting from six
socioeconomic factors -human capital, natural resources, organization of culture, distribution of
income, organization of agriculture and changing meaning of work.
2.4.3 Harris Todaro Model
The duo presented their model for migration in underdeveloped countries in 1970 through
their article ‘Migration, Unemployment and Development;A Two-Sector Analysis’. The model
attributes differences in the income expected from rural and urban areas as the primary reason
for individual’s decision to migration. However, the migration does not ensure full employment
and therefore an individual factor in the increased expected income along with the possibility of
employment while deciding to migrate. The only counter is an increase in agricultural
productivity. A return migration under this model is seen as a failed migration (Hirvonen and
Lilleor 2015)

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2.4.4 Lewis’s Model of Rural-Urban Migration
W. Arthur Lewis in the 1950s introduced the concept of unlimited supply of labor in an
economy, where the economy was dual structure, one part being the rural agricultural section and
the other being the urban industrialized sector. Labor shifts from the rural sector as there is
diminishing return from the land; this contributes towards the increased labor supply for
industries. This is coupled with higher wages in the industries. This theory has been criticized for
being one-sided, not distinguishing between skilled and unskilled labor and assuming that in
overpopulated and developing countries the marginal productivity of zero is negligible or zero.
2.4.5 The Fei-Ranis Model on Rural-Urban Migration
The model was presented in ‘A Theory of Economic Development’ that was based on an
economy with surplus labor and scarce capital. Migration of the surplus labor force to the
industrial sector contributes towards the development of the economy. This theory assumes an
exponential population growth, fixed land, dual economy, land and labor contribute to
agricultural output while capital and labor contribute to industrial output. The model sees
migration and economic development in three phases. Where there is rural to urban migration of
the unemployed in the first phase, in the second phase agricultural workers with lesser wages
migrate till the industrial and agricultural wages are equal. In the final phase, as agricultural
workers have higher wages this sector gets commercialized. The rural to urban migration holds
true of the first two phases.

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2.5 Migration of Tanzanian youth and Neoliberalism
The mid 1980s in Tanzania have seen a shift from socialist developmentalism to
neoliberalism by freeing their markets and privatising existing government undertakings on the
advice of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The structure that has developed
is partly public and partly privatized (Schroeder 2008). Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the first
President of Tanzania, a staunch socialist stepped down from his position in 1985, his gesture
gave way to the new storm of neoliberalism and privatization. The effects of the transition were
felt at the economic, political and social level. There was increased involvement of NGOs along
with an increase in crime rates and corruption.
The pitiful condition of majority of the under-developed nations in Africa can be
attributed to the wasteful and inefficient allocation of resources on the part of the government
(Todaro and Smith 2009). Lewis (1954) propounds that under-developed countries in order to
obtain economic growth must encourage the surplus workforce in the urban areas to migrate to
the urban industrial sectors. This shift would ensure an equal distribution of labour throughout
the country. As the market economy was only able to successful in a limited way state
intervention was resorted to (Ngowi 2009).
The adoption of Neoliberalism within the Tanzanian economic system has witness
instances of economic growth. Such growth however has not reached the rural section of
Tanzania’s population who remain poverty-stricken (Tanzanian Human Development Report
2014).
Some of the instances of corruption within Tanzania led to a boom in urban construction
as some of the capital was channeled to domestic businesses (Gray 2015). A portion of the

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income that was generated by questionable means was financed using domestic Tanzanian
businesses and therefore led to this boom (Republic of Tanzania Statistics 2012).
2.6 Factors influencing Tanzania Youths to migrate
Migration holds a significant aspect in present day life of young men and women where
they move from one part to the other for meeting their personal requirements. The youths of
Tanzania have been found to be migrating from the remote, rural areas to urban places in search
of a better and improved standard of life. The scholars and researchers have made several
attempts to find the driving factor that influences the youths to migrate and the impact of such
migration on both the settlements, rural as well as urban. Out of several factors, the few that
majorly contributes to the matters are discussed below:
2.6.1 Economic Factors
Poor Income and Wage difference
Poor income is undoubtedly the biggest reason that has been agreed by the researchers
unanimously for rural to urban migration. Rural settlements offer meagre wages and inferior
employment options that do not fetch the same amount as the cities. The rate of earning daily
wage has an exceptionally high difference in rural and urban settlement. It is the major push
factor in terms of migration. The neo-liberal theories justify the wage differences, agrarian
distress, unequal employment opportunities, growth of informal economy as the major reason
resulting to migration from rural to urban areas. The decision to migrate are taken up by rational
individuals who aim to attain the economic benefits of the urban life. As put forwarded by the
Harris-Todaro Model, migration of labour vastly depends upon the inter-sectoral income

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inequality. The migrants looks forward to a better standard of living in the cities which works as
a driving factor for them (Naudé 2010).
Employment opportunity difference
With the advent of the different theories and approaches of neoliberalism, various
employment field have come up in the cities which are still lagging behind the rural areas. The
expanded private sector in the urban set up offers a diverse selection of job roles along with
handsome pay packages. The densely populated urban areas are haven for variety of
employments, like the manufacturing unit, the packaging unit, the logistic unit, delivery unit, et
cetera for a manufacturing sector. Similarly, there are several such job roles and job units in
other sectors as well, which the rural settlement severely lacks (Naudé 2010).
Scarcity of land and population explosion
Land is the most essential criteria to live in the rural area for employment depend mostly
on agriculture. Therefore, a good quality and fertile land is necessary for cultivation and earning
livelihood in rural area. However, with increasing population there has been a scarcity of land in
most rural regions of Tanzania, making it difficult for the cultivators to grow as much is crop
they used to before such population explosion (Naudé 2010). This has amounted to a downfall of
income per family, which has resulted for the people to feel the necessity of an extra earning
through various other employment opportunities that are found in the cities and towns. If not
permanent, many individuals look forward to seasonal migration to the cities in search of jobs.

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Unequal access to resources
Unequal distribution of resources across the region and social groups acts as a driving
factor for rural to urban migration. Better distribution of resources and technology attracts
individual more towards the towns and cities than it absorbs in the agricultural sector. It is also
evident that it is far more difficult to earn livelihood from cultivation done to get hold of a
regular job in the cities which would fetch a regular income. Apart from cultivators, labourers
who do not own their personal land find it difficult to reach all the necessary resources to earn a
living by cultivating another’s land. Therefore it is easier for them to reach out to other
employment opportunities in the cities and towns.
2.6.2 Social Factors
Apart from economic issues there are several social factors that influences rural to Urban
migration of the youths in Tanzania.
Family structure and conflicts
Families with more number of heads have the probability to migrate more than the
smaller ones for they face several challenges like low income issues, inadequate space in the
family home, conflicts between the family members, et cetera. To avoid such hard shifts people,
especially youths tends to move to the cities in search of a better life with their individual
families.
Social status
It has been observed among many communities that there has been a competition to
improve their social status by improving their income and eventually lifestyle. It is only possible

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through migration to the urban areas as it offers better opportunities of employment does
fetching better income and standard of living. In addition, the socially backward communities
who have suffered discrimination and social exclusion for years open shoes to migrate to the
urban set up where the evils of discrimination is comparatively low.
Social amenities
Youth always look for better social amenities like health, sanitation, education,
transportation facilities, communication system, entertainment, financial assistance and physical
security. All of these are undoubtedly more conveniently available in the cities and towns.
Evidently the better off rural people are more likely to migrate to the cities then the poor ones,
for the have the capability to support them for a certain period until they ensure a way of living
in the urban setup.
2.6.3 Poor Educational Facilities
Education is another significant factor that effects rural to urban migration. The youths
choose to migrate from rural to urban area in order to acquire higher education which would
enable them to support their parents who still chooses to stay in rural area. The support of the
governmental programs pertaining to free education, better educational opportunities and
reserved seats for socially and economically backward communities have helped in the migration
of rural to urban area in Tanzania.
2.6.4 Demographic Factors
Age, gender, size of the family, education, population growth et cetera is some of the
vital demographic factors that pushes rural to urban migration among youth in Tanzania. The

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youths have a higher probability to migrate for they understand that returns on human capital
decreases with growing old age. The difference of gender also contributes to migration as the
men mostly migrates in search of better employment opportunities while women are bound to
migrate when they are married off to men working in the urban area. The increasing population
growth an explosion is another demographic factor that is driving the youth to migrate for they
are facing difficulties to search for employment opportunities in the rural area and are bound to
search for diverse job roles in the cities and towns.
2.6.5 Other Factors
There are various other factors that influences the youth to migrate to the cities from the
rural areas. The youth are more open to new technologies and internet facilities which influences
and motivate them to lead a technologically sound life which food comprise of electronic gadgets
that serves educational, employment related and entertainment purposes. The internet facilities
have been a good source for deriving global news and knowledge which instigates the youths to
experience a better and polished life which is only possible in the urban setup.
2.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural and Urban life in Tanzania
2.7.1 Advantage and Disadvantages of Rural life in Tanzania
Rural units are the foundation and basic structure of all modern towns and cities. It is the
villages that produce food crop as well as cash crop for the rest of the country, for consumption
purpose and for the purpose of trade and commerce. In today’s time when the society is
evolving, the rural setup is also experiencing several improvements pertaining to literacy,
electricity, government funds and beneficial programs, transportation and communication
facilities, better supply of resources, internet facilities. In addition, it is important to have

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cultivators who would grow crops for the country as otherwise it would lead to scarcity of food
and the expense of the country would increase for importing food items from beyond its borders.
As for the disadvantages, it is evident that the rural areas of Tanzania still faces severe
backwardness in terms of poor housing facilities, sanitation, medical support, poor educational
system, lack of employment opportunities, no entertainment facilities, poor structure of roads
and transportation system. Rural areas still faces problems like draught, flood and famine.
Among all of these the major issues that the villagers face are the lack of modern agricultural
machineries that are used by farmers to produce crops in large quantities, in lesser time and with
lesser effort in most of the modern countries. It is quite unfortunate that information and
communication technology its still under developed in rural areas. In addition there are vast
income difference among men and women in rural setup due to gender biasness. For example, a
man earned 45.000 Tanzanian shilling (Tsh) while a woman earned 15.000 Tsh for the same job
nearly a village in Babati, Tanzania. Considering the discomforting and disadvantageous
situation, it is difficult for today’s youth to sustain a good standard of life that they wish to live
(Nbs.go.tz 2019). People, essentially the young, are not interested to live a life full of difficulties
and backwardness like their ancestors have. They migrate to places where they could find better
employment opportunities.
2.7.2 Advantage and Disadvantages of Urban life in Tanzania
The migrants to the urban set up have mentioned about their satisfaction of receiving
clean running tap water, electricity and a proper sanitation system for the first time in their lives.
The migrants have mentioned about the challenges pertaining to securing a house at first which
was expensive for the matter of fact as compared to the rural set up. However, they also

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mentioned that once the house was secured, it was easier for them to hunt for jobs and other
necessary things to get their life going in the cities. Surprisingly, the migrants would find the
price of the daily food was immensely high in the cities and even in towns. In one hand, they
received the best possible medical care, on the other hand it costed them a fortune. The migrants
have mentioned repeatedly that life in the urban setup majorly depends on money as it is based
upon cash-economy. The migrants have claimed to have received whatever they had wished for
before migrating to the cities: better employment better standard of living higher education
smooth transportation facilities communication system exposure to entertainment facilities,
better health and sanitation infrastructure are the major ones among many others.
However, it would be a white lie if urban life is claimed to be free of all prejudices and
obstacles. The urban life and the urban people are the constant reminder to the migrants that day
do not fit in the setup. The migrants are often mistreated and discriminated on the grounds of
their place of origin community race and language barriers in the cities and towns. Although they
do enjoy governmental benefits and reservations in educational and employment opportunities,
get many of the migrants face severe economic crisis for they failed to cope up with the price
differentiation of commodities as compared to the rural set up.

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Chapter 3: Research Methodology
3.0 Overview
The third chapter after literature review comprises of the different methodologies,
techniques and tools that are important and significant to carry forward the research. Out of the
various research tools, techniques, methodologies and designs the researcher has specifically
chosen certain research philosophy, design, approach, strategy to conduct the study efficiently. In
addition the researcher has taken special care in choosing the most appropriate Data collection
method and data analysis method for attaining the proposed aim and objectives of the study. The
different aspects of ethical considerations and approaches has been added to the paper along with
the obstacles and hindrances that might have affected the research to a certain extent. Therefore,
it can be said that with the help of the following methodologies tools and techniques the
researchers have collected data from different secondary resources, sorted them out in terms of
relevancy and lastly evaluated them to reach a constructive conclusion.
3.1 Research Outline
The researches have applied and interpretivism philosophy and a deductive approach in
this research study by following a descriptive Research design. Search philosophy approach and
design wood ensure that the researcher achieves what has been put forwarded under the sub
heading of aims and objectives of the research. The relevant data of the study has been collected
with the help of secondary data collection process where the researcher has taking references
from books, journal articles, websites that are governed by governmental organisations, official

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websites of non-governmental organisations and different other peer reviewed articles that can be
found over the internet and libraries to the extent of the reach of the researcher.
3.2 Research Philosophy
The research philosophies that are commonly used to carry out research papers are
namely positivism interpretivism and pragmatism. Pragmatism is an amalgamation of positivism
and interpretivism (Mackey and Gass 2015). Whereas positivism allows the use of scientific
approach to the study which ensure the accuracy relevancy and validity of the collected data
(Neuman 2013). However interpretivism is different from these two which allows and considers
the different opinions of researches and scholars that has been put forwarded before. In this way
interpretivism helps the researcher to refer back to old references and already done researchers
thereby saving time by not repeating confirmed conclusions and devoting more time on the
research gaps which are left to be explored.
3.2.1 Reasons for Choosing Interpretivism
Interpretivism has been chosen for this paper for it would allow the researcher to refer to
the previously done research work of different researchers and scholars based on the different
new liberal theory whether or not in context to rural to Urban migration of Tanzania youths
(Taylor, Bodgan and DeVault 2015).
3.3 Research Approach
Research approaches important to draft an effective research paper which may be that
include inductive and deductive research approach. According to inductive approach, new
theories and ideologies are developed by the researcher for supporting the study (Lewis 2015).

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This, however, may give rise to wrong theories or ideology and eventually incorrect conclusion
formed by the researcher based on his wrong observations. On the other hand, the deductive
approach ensures that the researcher collect data and deduce the observation and findings of the
researches that has been already done by scholars and researchers (Vaioleti 2016).
3.3.1 Reasons for Choosing Deductive method
Deductive method of research approach has been chosen to analyse and deduce from the
already researched and established information held by scholars and researchers. These research
works have already been checked and approved, therefore, has no chance of been incorrect or
inaccurate. The pre-existing information on the migration among youths from rural to urban
settlement can be studied by the help of statistical data and graphs held by the National Statistical
Bureau of Tanzania which can be trusted blindly.
3.4 Research Design
Descriptive exploratory and explanatory research designs are some of the common forms of
research design that are used by researchers to give a framework to their research work. The
explanatory Research design strives to explain the different aspects of conducting a research
(Flick 2015). This Research design helps the researcher to put forward and explain with
reasoning, pertaining to the presence of the factors in the research that have been gathered by the
research in the second chapter. On the other hand exploratory Research design enables the
researcher to explore the path less travelled by scholars and researchers and which are still left to
be researched on. This Research design helps to bridge the gap which the other researcher might
have failed to build. While descriptive Research design is the perfect blend of exploratory as well
as explanatory Research design which ensures that the researcher gets ample scope to carry out

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personal research on the topic as well as lay down his own justifications and approaches to the
research topic.
3.4.1 Reasons for Choosing Descriptive design
The researcher chooses descriptive Research design for this research study as it is
believed to be the best for this research topic. Descriptive Research design would enable the
researcher to go through the pre existing research materials offered by scholars and researchers
pertaining to the rural to urban youth migration in Tanzania, along with giving the researcher
ample scope to find out research gap in the pre existing researchers which he could fill up with
his own study (Smith 2015).
3.5 Research Strategy
Interview method survey action research in case study method are the common forms of
research strategy that are used by the researchers to analyse the data that has been collected.
These research strategies help to achieve the best results to analyse the findings all the data that
has been collected in the literature review section. In case of action research strategy the
researcher presumes the occurrences that are going to happen in future in context to the factors
involved in the research. On the other hand interview resource strategy helps the researcher to
conduct interview sessions with the participants who shares their personal experience pertaining
to the research topic which acts as the first hand and most raw information for the researcher
pertaining to the research work. In case of research survey, the researcher gathers information
from a large population which needs to be relevant and accurate for the research topic. However
sometimes it is difficult for the researcher to chalk out the demarcation between accurate and
electorate, relevant and irrelevant.

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3.5.1 Reasons for Choosing Case study method
Case studies has been conducted for it has been found out that it is the most relevant and
accurate then the other types of resource strategy (Roberts 2013). The researcher would be
looking for various case studies related to youth migration in Tanzania. This resource strategy
would help to form and analyse the information regarding the impacts of migration along with
the advantages and disadvantages of rural and urban settlement (Bauer 2014). This resource
strategy would ensure that the researcher concentrates on the collected data in the literature
review.
3.6 Data Collection process
The two major process of Data collection to carry out a research study is namely the
primary and secondary method. Researchers carry out primary research for it enables them to
meet people face to face and deal with the issues broadly (Gale et al). Through primary research
the researcher get the opportunity to collect information from a vast population which might be
relevant or a relevant, and would hamper the importance and accuracy of the research topic. On
the other hand secondary data collection process includes in depth research of the data and
information of the already existing resources like from books, articles journals government
websites, official websites and several other newspapers that are accurate and producers genuine
news.
3.6.1 Reasons for Choosing Secondary data collection process
The secondary Data collection process is being used in this research work as to the data
collection method for this study (Dang and Pheng 2015). Books journal articles government
websites newspapers in official websites of organisation acts as a good source of secondary

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research materials which food help the researcher discuss the various theories of neo liberalism
along with explaining the best one which explain rural to urban migration and Tanzania.
Additional e it would also ensure that the researcher could evaluate the impact of such migration
in terms of villages as well as cities and towns.
3.7 Data Analysis Process
Qualitative and quantitative data analysis process are widely used to carry out research
studies mainly the ones that includes data analysis at the end of the study. The qualitative process
helps the researcher to analyse the quality and the value of the research topic by measuring its
impacts and philosophical thoughts behind it. It helps to analyse the research topic critically on
the basis of the information that has been collected with the help of secondary method of Data
collection (Novikov and Novikov 2013). On the other hand quantitative data analysis process
help the researcher to analyse the research topic on the basis of numbers graphs and statistical
data along with logical reasoning.
3.7.1 Reasons for Choosing Qualitative data analysis process
The researcher things of qualitative data analysis process to be the best analytical process to
support the research work as it would help to critically analyse the research topic along with
understanding the philosophical approach and theories behind neoliberalism that influences rural
to urban migration among youth in Tanzania. The qualitative analysis process put help the
researcher draw a comparative study between the different new liberal theories of different social
thinkers and find out the one which best explains rural to urban migration among youths in
Tanzania. This type of analytical process helps researchers to draw critical analysis by the help
of themes out of the most relevant keywords that can be found in the literature review. The

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qualitative data analysis process also helps the researcher to attain the proposed aims and
objectives that was held at the beginning of the paper.
3.8 Research Ethics
The researcher has complied with all the ethical norms that are important to conduct a
research to retain the accuracy authenticity and effective result of the research work. The
researcher has made sure to protect the data and maintain its confidentiality which helped to
reach the proposed aims and objectives of the research (Cacciattolo 2015). The information
collected has been protected to maintain the authenticity of the paper. Reliable sources has
been resorted to for the collection of the desired data for it insured the relevancy and accuracy of
the research work. In addition the researcher has strictly prohibited any kind of manipulation
pertaining to the collected data for it would diminish or ruin the authenticity and accuracy of the
study (Connelly 2014). The researcher has collected all the necessary data information for the
purpose of this study only and for no other purpose. The researcher has insured the collection of
the data from secondary sources like books, journal articles, and official website of
organisations, government websites and important newspapers. Lastly it must be stated that the
researcher has acknowledged all the sources and cited research work which has been used for
the purpose of reference to the paper for otherwise it would be termed as plagiarism which
destroys research ethics.
3.9 Accessibility Issues
Certain obstacles have come on the way of the research work pertaining to ethical
compliance and consideration which has been mindfully tackled by the researcher to protect the
study. The researcher has faced time constraints and budget issues while conducting the research

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work. In addition the uses of found it difficult to access several information as number of
websites without subscription based or was inaccessible. Apart from the above mentioned
obstacles, researchers have tried to deliver an accurate and relevant research study to the best of
his/her knowledge.
3.10 Summary
This chapter laid down the complete research methodology upon which the paper has
been based on. The researcher talks about the different methodology tools technique strategies
approaches and designs that would fit best for the research topic. In addition, the researcher also
discusses about the process in which the collected data would be analysed in the next chapter of
the paper. This research methodologies and techniques would help the researcher to find out the
new liberal theory which best explains rural to urban migration of youth in Tanzania along with
discussing the factors that gives effect to such migration.

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Chapter 4: Thematic Analysis of the Findings
4.0 Overview
This chapter strives to analyse the data that has been collected in the Chapter 2 which the
literature review of the paper. With the help of themes, the collected data would be analysed
systematically. The first theme would talk about the particular theory of neoliberalism out of the
ones discussed in Chapter 2, which best explains rural to urban migration among the youths in
Tanzania. It would support the theory with reasons and justification for it being appropriate to
explain youth migration from rural to urban set up. The second theme would analyse the impact
of rural to urban migration among youths in Tanzania. The significance of rural to urban
migration among youth that has been discussed in the literature review would be analysed and
discussed critically in this section.
4.1 Theme 1: Neoliberal theory that best explains rural to urban youth migration
Among the several theories and models discussed in the literature review section, the
critical neoliberal theory of David Harvey seems to be the one that best explains rural to
urban migration in context to neoliberalism. David Harvey stands out as a sociologist who
gave the concept of neoliberalism a wide-ranging meaning and definition which reflects the
analysis on the same matter by Cros, Nawroth and ver Eecke in their work on neoliberalism
(Harvey 2016). They held that neoliberalism is a theory of political economic practices, which
talks about the well-being of individuals by way of elevating their entrepreneurial skills and
freedoms by entrusting them with private property rights, free trade and free markets (Ver Eecke
1998). They discussed the role of the state in term of creating free trade and commerce to

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flourish the idea of neoliberalism as well which suggests the preservation of an institutional
framework of such practices. They agreed on the point that the state must guarantee the integrity
and value of money, along with setting up a strong police and military defence and a good legal
structure for the state which would strive to secure the private property rights of individuals and
the access to free market and trade. The sociologists mentions that a proper market should exit in
area where there is a proper human settlement consisting of cultivating land, water, health care,
educational facilities and social security so that the individuals could indulge in a different
employment opportunity other than agriculture. A fully functional market would change the
outlook of the society, according to them; if such a market is unavailable then the state should
take necessary steps to form one. However, the state must intervene into the market at a
minimum level, for it lacks the necessary information that is essential to run the market
efficiently, like price difference, quality of products, demand, supply, et cetera.
David Harvey supported this ideology of Cros, Nawroth and ver Eecke and expanded this
idea to accommodate his analysis of the theory of neoliberalism. He states that the world has
experienced an emphatic approach towards political-economic practices since the 1970s (Harvey
2016). David Harvey laid down his distinct economic theory of neoliberalism, supporting the
mild-manner embedded liberalism which is the Keynesian approach to neoliberalism inspired by
modern liberalism (Harvey 2007). He did not portray neoliberalism as a continuation of the
classical or traditional liberalism, but portrayed it as something that has an independent identity
and meaning. He calls out on certain neoliberal thinkers and brands them as not at all liberal; on
the other hand, he marks the anti-liberal autocrats like Augusto Pinochet and Deng Xiaoping as
neoliberals. Nevertheless, Harvey identified certain neoliberals with liberal identity as well pure
economists and political theorists like Friedman and Hayek along with politicians like Thatcher

39WHICH NEOLIBERAL THEORY BEST EXPLAINS RURAL TO URBAN MIGRATION
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and Reagan; he claims that they are majorly responsible for propounding and spreading the
ideology of neoliberalism. David Harvey included Thatcherism as well as socialism with
Chinese characteristic in his theory of neoliberalism. He emphasized on the fact that
neoliberalism is a political-economic theory and not a complete political ideology. He attempts
to state that neoliberalism is has no clear-cut link or even correlation with the favourable or the
conventional form of liberalism and the evolved neoliberalism (Harvey 2007).
Applying the theory of David Harvey it can be justified that the political economic
aspect of new liberalism suits the fact that the youth are moving from rural to urban area in
search of employment opportunities and a better standard of living in Tanzania. The theory also
supports men to women ratio of migration in Tanzania which can be supported by statistical data
conveyed by the national statistics bureau of Tanzania (Harvey 2016). The Youths from age
group 0-14 have been observed to have migrated more with their entire family while the age
group between 15 to 49 years have also been observed to have migrated, but alone. 90% of the
reason behind migration among all age group amounts to the earning of a better livelihood
(Harvey 2016). The 2012 census report marks that there is a rising number of female migration
that has been documented where young unmarried women with less formal education are moving
towards the towns and cities in search of job opportunities as maids and nannies in the cities. On
the other hand the educated Young women are migrating to the urban areas to pursue further
studies or in search of a suitable job as per their academic degrees and domain (Baker & Akin
Aina 1995). D 2012 report of the statistical bureau states that 7.4 million that is 16.8 percent of
Tanzanians were residing outside the area of birth while the census was being conducted.
Therefore it can be linked with the concept of neoliberalism as held by David Harvey that it is
not just a political but a political economic approach where polity and the economy are well

40WHICH NEOLIBERAL THEORY BEST EXPLAINS RURAL TO URBAN MIGRATION
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balanced by the people and its surroundings. Unlike the Marxist theory, neoliberalism theory by
David Harvey supports free market in free trade policy as well as ownership of private property
rights which allures youth and even the middle agents to migrate to an unknown place and start a
different life which promises to fetch them better wages and enhance their quality of life (Harvey
2007).
Therefore, it can be confirmed that the neo liberal approach of David Harvey suits and
best explains rural to urban migration among youths in Tanzania.
4.2 Theme 2: Impact of rural to urban youth migration
The 2012 census report marks that there is a rising number of female migration that has
been documented where young unmarried women with less formal education are moving
towards the towns and cities in search of job opportunities as maids and nannies in the cities. On
the other hand the educated Young women are migrating to the urban areas to pursue further
studies or in search of a suitable job as per their academic degrees and domain (Baker & Akin
Aina 1995).
Figure 1: Age and Sex of Internal Migrants: Tanzania, Tanzania Mainland and Tanzania
Zanzibar; 2012 Census
Source: Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics

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Factors that make up Neo-Liberalism are as follows:
Rule of the market as propounded by Adam Smith there exist an ‘invisible hand’ that
regulates demand and supply in the market. While, Reduction of the funds allocated for social
services and welfare. The government should not provide additional benefits or advantages to its
citizens, this is a means of increasing incompetency and encouraging citizens to be lazy.
Deregulation permits the market forces to regulate themselves. Privatization of existing national
undertakings would increase the efficiency of the different departments and competition is
known to be beneficial for consumers. Replacing concepts of public good or community with
that of individualism would propagate public good and community feeling the government plays
an important role in integration of its citizens, however if individualism is encouraged citizens
have a motivation to excel and do well, which in turn benefits the country as a whole. This also
motivates entrepreneurial spirit among citizens. Reformation of the tax system should be such
that a free market structure and entrepreneurial activities are propagated and supported. Import
and export potential of a country should also be considered while developing the tax structure.
Impacts of Neoliberalism:
 The process of economic growth and development relies on the relationship that exists
between the state and the economic forces, specially the market.
 Neoliberalism as a concept of a completely unregulated economy stands at the opposite
end of the spectrum from Communism. Communism demands intervention of the
government across all spheres and for all important economic decisions. The wealth that

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neoliberalism would help generate is claimed to reach all the strata of society, if all
barriers are removed.
 Neoliberalism also aims at reducing trade barriers and maximizing profits by availing
cheaper resources and labour across different nations. This can be achieved through
relaxation of taxes, tariffs and government regulations. The production and distribution of
goods should be independent from all interference by the government. There is no longer
only increased freedom of trade but increased availability of capital and investment (Hall,
Massey and Rustin 2015.).

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Chapter 5: Conclusion
5.0 Overview
This chapter gives a clear and simple view of the concluding part of the research study that
provides for a summation for the entire research work. It would also discuss the futher scope of
research in this particular research topic.
5.1 Conclusion
Therefore, to conclude, it must be considered that the aims and objective of the paper that
was proposed earlier has been complied with. The first aim of the study being finding the
neoliberal theory that best explains rural to urban migration has been chosen as the theory by
David Harvey. The concept of neoliberalism as held by David Harvey that it is not just a political
but a political economic approach where polity and the economy are well balanced by the people
and its surroundings. Unlike the Marxist theory, neoliberalism theory by David Harvey supports
free market in free trade policy as well as ownership of private property rights which allures
youth and even the middle agents to migrate to an unknown place and start a different life, which
promises to fetch them better wages and enhance their quality of life. Applying the theory of
David Harvey it can be justified that the political economic aspect of new liberalism suits the fact
that the youth are moving from rural to urban area in search of employment opportunities and a
better standard of living in Tanzania. The theory also supports men to women ratio of migration
in Tanzania which can be supported by statistical data conveyed by the national statistics bureau
of Tanzania.

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The second aim to discuss about the factors that influence rural to urban migration of youths
in Tanzania has been elaborately laid down as well. Economic factors like poor employment
opportunity, unequal income and wage difference, lack of access to resources, et cetera; Social
factors like family structure and conflicts, social status and security as well as certain Age,
gender, size of the family, education, population growth et cetera is some of the vital
demographic factors that pushes rural to urban migration among youth in Tanzania. The youths
have a higher probability to migrate for they understand that returns on human capital decreases
with growing old age. The difference of gender also contributes to migration as the men mostly
migrates in search of better employment opportunities while women are bound to migrate when
they are married off to men working in the urban area. The increasing population growth an
explosion is another demographic factor that is driving the youth to migrate for they are facing
difficulties to search for employment opportunities in the rural area and are bound to search for
diverse job roles in the cities and towns. Lack of educational facility is another major factors
that attract youths to move to the cities and towns which offer better educational facilities.
The third aim was to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of rural to urban settlements
that influences migration. As for the disadvantages, it is evident that the rural areas of Tanzania
still faces severe backwardness in terms of poor housing facilities, sanitation, medical support,
poor educational system, lack of employment opportunities, no entertainment facilities, poor
structure of roads and transportation system. Rural areas still faces problems like draught, flood
and famine. Among all of these the major issues that the villagers face are the lack of modern
agricultural machineries that are used by farmers to produce crops in large quantities, in lesser
time and with lesser effort in most of the modern countries. It is quite unfortunate that
information and communication technology its still under developed in rural areas. In addition

45WHICH NEOLIBERAL THEORY BEST EXPLAINS RURAL TO URBAN MIGRATION
AMONG TANZANIAN YOUTH
there are vast income difference among men and women in rural setup due to gender biasness.
On the other hand, The migrants to the urban set up have mentioned about their satisfaction of
receiving clean running tap water, electricity and a proper sanitation system for the first time in
their lives. The migrants have mentioned about the challenges pertaining to securing a house at
first which was expensive for the matter of fact as compared to the rural set up. However, they
also mentioned that once the house was secured, it was easier for them to hunt for jobs and other
necessary things to get their life going in the cities. Surprisingly, the migrants would find the
price of the daily food was immensely high in the cities and even in towns. In one hand, they
received the best possible medical care, on the other hand it costed them a fortune. The migrants
have mentioned repeatedly that life in the urban setup majorly depends on money as it is based
upon cash-economy. The migrants have claimed to have received whatever they had wished for
before migrating to the cities: better employment better standard of living higher education
smooth transportation facilities communication system exposure to entertainment facilities,
better health and sanitation infrastructure are the major ones among many others.
5.2 Scope for further research
The study has a further scope to research on the specific reasons of migration in depth. For
example, in future, the researchers may work on any particular reason that influences migration
among the youths in Tanzania or any other sub-Saharan country.

46WHICH NEOLIBERAL THEORY BEST EXPLAINS RURAL TO URBAN MIGRATION
AMONG TANZANIAN YOUTH
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Appendices
Figure 1: Age and Sex of Internal Migrants: Tanzania, Tanzania Mainland and Tanzania
Zanzibar; 2012 Census