OKWELOKOLA: A MODERN FORM OF SLAVERY, EXPLOITATION, HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION AND MOTHER OF POVERTY AMONG THE POOR BAHAYA IN KAGERA REGION, TANZANIA

Author: 
Switbert R Kamazima., Method R Kazaura., Neusta P Kwesigabo Johanitha T Joram and Benedicta K Kamazima
Country: 
Tanzania
Abstract: 

Strategies used individually or collectively, during social, economic and political difficulties have been documented in human history. For instance, in Buhaya, the country of Bahaya, Tanzania, strategies include migrating, adapting new lifestyles, borrowing and or selling/disposing one’s or family’s property referred to as okwelokola. What remain unclear are the social, psychological and economic consequences of okwelokola practices among Bahaya in Kagera Region, Tanzania. We conducted a qualitative study in four border district along the Tanzania Uganda border, Bukoba Rural, Bukoba Urban, Missenyi and Kyerwa to understand, from the study participants’ perspectives, the meanings, origins and consequences of okwelokola. Findings indicated that okwelokola stems from the colonial- initiated social and economic transformations that took place in Buhaya and beyond, through independence and post -independence periods. Okwelokola presents elements of modern slavery, exploitation, human rights violation that has always favored the elite. Contextualized and research based efficacious interventions are recommended to save Kagera residents from other poverty -driven public health problems.
 

KeyWords: 

Buhaya; Kagera Region;Okwelokola; Poverty; Social group;Tanzania

Volume & Issue: 
1049-1056
Pages: 
1049-1056
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