DAR ES SALAAM is a commercial city that attracts many people in search of better opportunities, leading to significant migration from rural areas.

One of the primary factors that contribute to people to move from rural areas to cities is the pursuit of better economic opportunities. Urban areas tend to offer more diverse and stable sources of income compared to rural regions, where employment options are often limited to agriculture and informal work. 

Some aspects of how economic opportunities drive rural-urban migration include, availability of jobs. Cities have a broader range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, trade, transportation, and services like banking, education, and healthcare. 

Unlike rural areas, where employment is largely seasonal and depend on agriculture, urban centres provide year-round job opportunities, attracting individuals seeking steady income.

Urban areas provide better access to banks, microfinance institutions, and credit services, which enable individuals to start businesses or invest in education and housing. In contrast, rural communities often face financial exclusion, limiting economic growth and making it harder to break the cycle of poverty.

Other factors for rural-urban migration are access to education because cities provide better schools, universities and vocational training, attracting students and families. In cities there is improved access to hospitals, clinics and specialized medical care that encourages migration.

Cities have better roads, electricity, water supply and digital connectivity, droughts, floods, and soil degradation force people to leave rural areas as well as social and cultural factors whereas people move to cities seeking modern lifestyles, escaping restrictive traditions, or reuniting with family.

However, not all newcomers arrive with a clear plan. Many struggle to find shelter, and some even face rejection from their own relatives upon arrival.

As a result, they are forced to adapt and survive in difficult conditions, often sleeping under bridges, along roadsides, outside business kiosks, near residential homes, or in marketplaces. 

Unfortunately, some individuals resort to criminal activities such as theft and violence to sustain themselves.

Mama Anodi, a local government leader at Kisutu Steet in Dar es Salaam Region, expressed concerns on the rapidly increasing trend of migration from rural to urban areas. 

She said some young people relocating to urban places lack proper jobs thus engaging in criminal activities such as theft. 

Juma Ally, a resident of Kimara Mwisho in the city, pointed out that while not all of these individuals engage in crime, a significant number do. He explained that some people bring criminal habits from their hometowns, engaging in drug abuse and theft.

Faraji, a resident of Mbezi Beach, shared similar sentiments. He stated that those who sleep in the streets often contribute to increased crime incidents such as robbery and drug-related offenses. 

Their presence also leads to environmental pollution since they lack proper sanitation facilities thus disposing waste irresponsibly, stated Faraji.

Law enforcement agencies have been actively working to curb criminal activities in the city. Last year, police in Dar es Salaam’s special zone arrested eight suspects for allegedly being involved in the kidnapping of businessman Deogratius Tarimo on November 11, 2024, in Kiluvya, Ubungo. 

The suspects were apprehended in Dar es Salaam, Songea and Mlimba in Morogoro. Police also recovered a vehicle—‘Toyota Raum’ which was used in the crime. The vehicle had fake registration number T 237 EGE identified, while its real number was T 237 ECF.

To address this challenge, the government must take decisive steps to manage homelessness and crime, ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens. 

There are a number of meassures which could be taken to control the situation which includes improving rural economic opportunities by investing in agriculture—modernize farming techniques, provide access to markets and offer financial support to farmers.

Establishment of rural-based industries to process agricultural products as well as job creation could make youth relax at their home towns. Governments should also take measures to support small businesses through microfinance, training and access to resources.

There is also a need to ensure better connectivity of roads to allow farmers to access markets and services expand electricity and water supply, expanding internet and mobile networks to support education, e-commerce, and business opportunities and introducing agricultural and technical training whereas youth will be trained on modern farming techniques and technical skills thus making rural work more viable.

By improving rural livelihoods, expanding infrastructure, and decentralizing development, Tanzania can create a more balanced population distribution. This will reduce excessive migration to cities while promoting sustainable growth in both rural and urban areas.