The Pattern of Spatial Interaction of Commodities Flow in Changing People's Livelihoods in Moshi Rural District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the flow of commodities in changing the people's livelihood in Moshi rural district. Various methods which included questionnaire, interviews, and observation and focus group discussions were employed in collecting data in the field. The obtained data were both qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (S.P.S.S.). The analyzed data were then presented in tabular form to provide an informative data to readers.

The study revealed that there was a flow of food crops, particularly bananas, maize, beans and avocados which were sold to the rural, urban and abroad markets. The study further noted that the spatial flows of commodities have got an impact on changing the people's livelihoods in the study area, realized through the acquisition of livelihood assets, obtained through selling of crops and their use for various purposes and due to social services and construction of infrastructures. The study recommended that, there is a need for government interventions to manage the flow of commodities in order to regulate commodity prices.