Livelihood Strategies in the Tanganyika Basin By Dr. Oda Sindayizeruka Professor and Director, University of Burundi Burundi

Objective of the Socio-Economic Study: To get a better understanding of the SE features of the lakeshore populations so as to establish sustainable actions which are supported by the population in a view of a better environment conservation and protection

Methods: Participative approach, interviews

Sites Investigated limited coverage site-specific themes common themes

Common Themes Fishing practices and communities Land use for agriculture and livestock Deforestation and energy needs Population movements

Common Themes: Fishing practices and communities

Common Themes: Land use for agriculture and livestock

Common Themes: Deforestation and energy needs

Common Themes: Population movements

Livelihood Strategies: Agriculture

Livelihood Strategies: Livestock

Livelihood Strategies: Fisheries

Livelihood Strategies: Selling Natural Resources

Livelihood Strategies: Other diverse

Livelihood Strategies: Women’s roles

Livelihood Strategies: Children’s roles

Conclusions Most of the livelihood strategies near in these areas are based on natural resources Environmental problems (deforestation, problems of soil control, decreasing fish stocks) are a direct result of poverty and lack of alternatives among the lakeshore populations With the degradation of natural resources, it is more difficult for people to make their livelihoods, perpetuating the poverty of these communities

Recommendations The Lake’s biodiversity will only be managed and maintained sustainably if there are programmes of poverty alleviation, diversification of livelihood strategies and social and economic development in a context of security and institutional reforms

Recommendations Diversification of livelihood strategies Promotion of activities that add value to existing activities Alleviation of poverty

Recommendations for Future Research Factors which influence the dynamics and success of livelihood diversification and poverty alleviation Analysis of the complexity and diversity of household patterns and their effect on survival strategies HIV/AIDS incidence and impact Family planning and studies of population growth Studies of complexity and dynamics of large and small scale fish processing