Browsing by Author "Mwandete, Y.C."

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    The Dynamics of Urbanization of Mbeya in Colonial Tanganyika, 1920s–1960
    (International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR), 2025-10) Mwandete, Y.C.
    Urban history in Tanzania has not been much developed, as the few studies have sparsely focused on Dar es Salaam and the coastal city-states where written sources are more readily available, leaving the interior areas largely neglected. This article analyzes how geographical location, the discovery of gold at Lupa, population growth, migration, agriculture, colonial infrastructure, urban planning, architecture, commerce and industry collectively shaped the urbanization of Mbeya. The study is a qualitative undertaking that follows interpretive approaches of research in describing data. It investigates the dynamics of urbanization of Mbeya during the colonial rule in Tanganyika. It used descriptive techniques in the data collection which included interviews, field observation and review of written documents which were researched in library, internet and archives. It also reveals that until the end of the German colonial rule, Mbeya was not an urban centre. The urbanization of Mbeya began in the early 1920s and evolved through five phases until 1960. In 1922, Mbeya became a servicing settlement for gold diggers at Lupa. In 1929, it grew into a minor settlement, while by 1935, Mbeya evolved into a township. Finally, in 1957, it attained the status of a township council. Lastly, the article enriches the historiography of urban history in Tanzania in particular and Africa in a broader context.