The Urbanizing Frontier, Change and Continuity

Uchira, in Kilimanjaro Region, provides an exception to the chapters in this book which record rising prosperity. Uchira’s economy has declined after the cattle market that it hosted collapsed, and as agriculture has become less and less productive. This chapter charts the growth and development of the village, the changes to its development projects and service provision, and the growth in its real estate market as migrants from Moshi seek relatively affordable houses well connected to the town and with good water supplies. The chapter explores two broad-brush aspects of change in Uchira during this period: livelihoods patterns and public and private infrastructure. It provides a contrasting example of persistent disadvantage compared to other chapters in this collection.