The Relationship of Moshi's industrial sector with its immediate hinterland

Abstract

This study examines the relationship of Moshi's industrial sector with its immediate hinterland. The aim is to find out the concrete relationships between the two sectors in terms of economic linkages, both forward and backward, and development disparity. An analysis of the town is made by examining the historical development of the town, its population and its various land uses with an emphasis on the industrial sector and whether prospects of further industrialization do exist. The study discusses the hinterland's economic infrastructure, demographic and physical aspects as well as the resource base. The latter parameter is examined to see how far it has been exploited by the establishment of industries in the town linked to the resource hinterland. This study has found out that there is development gap between the town and the hinterland. Further, the industrial linkages that exist are weak and for the most part are not geared towards the development of the hinter-

land; rather the town is parasitic' on the latter. The established industries are more externally-oriented with external linkages rather than internal. Although

the growth of the town has depended mainly on the resource hinterland, the former gives little in return. These problems are common to most industrial towns in Tanzania whereby they simply act as a link between their respective hinterlands and an external economy. The study has provided a number of proposals which, if implemented, will significantly alleviate the problems discussed. The suggestions put forward call for a change in the agricultural system, which is mono-cultural, and to effect population resettlement in the less densely populated areas of the region. To reduce unemployment and under-employment, industrial investment, in addition to increased agricultural productivity is necessary. In the town, the kind of industries to be established are those that improve the industrial linkages and have direct relationships, as far as possible, to the resources of the hinterland. It is through this way that an integrated and balanced growth of the town and the hinterland can be effected. The recommendations can be attained through deliberate government initiative and the will and co-operation of the people. It is hoped that this study will go a long way in giving guidelines to alleviate problems of the kind discussed here not only in Kilimanjaro area, but also in all areas facing similar problems in Tanzania, in particular, and the Third World in general.