Impacts of urban sprawl on people’s livelihoods: analysis of urban fringe neighbourhoods in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Rapid urbanization rates and weak development control machinery have led to exponential city sprawling to urban fringes. This paper examines how urban sprawl impacts livelihoods of urban fringe dwellers and their coping strategies. A multiple case strategy was deployed and a sustainable livelihoods framework was used in the analysis. Empirical data were obtained through literature review, household and key informant interviews, observations, Focus Group Discussions and analysis of satellite images. Results indicate that negatively urban sprawl has increased households’ transport expenditure to work at unaffordable levels; traffic congestion; cost of food products; and inadequate provision of essential livelihood-enhancing facilities. Positively, urban sprawl has presented new livelihood opportunities and enabled households to access minimal social amenities and services. We recommend diversification of economic activities, change of economic activities, making urban fringe livelihoods key element of policy formulation and essential infrastructure and services provision to harness positive impacts and mitigate negative ones.