https://jgat.udsm.ac.tz/index.php/jgat <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Journal of Geographical Association of Tanzania (JGAT) is an international journal of Geography. Its main emphasis is on theoretic and methodological debates in balance with recent empirical geographical research. Particular value is set on high-quality research work that applies theories or scientific models in explaining contextual realities. To ensure that JGAT remains credible and reputable, we encourage proper citation, acknowledgement of other’s works, referencing as well as following ethical considerations of academic publications. Authors wishing to submit their paper manuscripts to JGAT MUST adhere to our instructions.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Peer Review Process</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Once accepted, each manuscript will be submitted to two reviewers (double blind) who are specialists in the subject matter. Only articles which have conformed to the requirements above will be sent for review. By the same token, the reviewers’ recommendations will provide the basis for the Chief Editor to make an informed decision on the manuscript and indeed to add value on the document once taken on board by the author(s).</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Publication</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Once the paper is accepted for publication, authors should ensure that the final version is edited and error free. Authors will also make sure that the submitted document has all figures numbered correctly, all references are in order, and all other details are in place. This is notwithstanding the fact that one may be asked to do professional language editing or make clarification on the final work before it is finally published.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The articles will be published online as soon as they are ready. They will be openly accessed on the University website under the journal’s name before they are printed on hard copies.</p> Department of Geography en-US JOURNAL OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION OF TANZANIA 0016-738X https://jgat.udsm.ac.tz/index.php/jgat/article/view/333 <p>Rapid urbanization presents critical challenges, particularly in managing the growth of informal settlements. Effective urban planning is essential to address this issue, yet it often falls short in rapidly growing cities like Dar es Salaam. This study aims to explore the drivers behind informal settlement expansion and assess the consequences of inadequate urban planning.&nbsp; This study integrates quantitative analysis using Landsat imagery and spatial analysis with ArcGIS Pro, alongside qualitative data from focus groups and interviews. Land cover changes from 1995 to 2024 were evaluated using supervised image classification, employing a machine learning random forest classifier in R to create land use/land cover classes. The analysis reveals significant changes in land use. Agricultural areas increased from 396.7 km² to 555.17 km², while built-up areas expanded from 72.55 km² to 403.44 km². In contrast, forest, bushland, and grassland areas declined significantly. Key drivers of informal settlement growth include financial constraints, political interference, formalization challenges, and poor coordination among stakeholders. Financial limitations impede comprehensive planning and infrastructure development, while political interference weakens land-use policies. Bureaucratic and financial barriers to formalization lead to unauthorized construction, and a lack of institutional coordination exacerbates fragmented planning and informal industrial growth. Addressing the rapid expansion of informal settlements requires financial investment, political commitment, improved coordination, and public awareness to support sustainable urban planning. The study presents a novel approach by integrating quantitative analysis using Landsat imagery and machine learning techniques with qualitative insights from focus groups and interviews, providing a comprehensive examination of both spatial and socio-political drivers of informal settlement expansion in Dar es Salaam, and offering a unique perspective on land use changes and urban planning challenges</p> Olipa Simon Zakaria Ngereja Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNAL OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION OF TANZANIA 2025-06-27 2025-06-27 45 1 23 43 10.56279/jgat.v45i1.333 https://jgat.udsm.ac.tz/index.php/jgat/article/view/334 <p>Climate variability is emerging as a significant challenge that affects local livelihood in developing countries. This paper seeks to analyse the multifaceted ways that climate variability affects smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Kilimanjaro region, across villages located in three agro-ecological zones. It analyses the impact of climate variability on livelihood assets and its implications on farmers’ ability to make a living. Data for this paper were collected through a rigorous process of homogenous focus group discussions, household surveys, and key informants’ interviews. These methods were carefully chosen to ensure validity and reliability of data. Qualitative data were analysed thematically while quantitative data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results indicate that the impact of climate variability on financial assets involve decrease in income and increase in farming costs. It also affects natural capital by diminishing the supply of surface water and thus limiting irrigation practices. The study also suggests that climate variability affects social capital by decreasing household and community support, primarily through poor harvests. The results further establish that climate variability through increase in temperature affects human health and reduces labour force due to the prevalence of malaria and climate-induced migration. More effective adaptation measures are recommended to increase farmers’ capacity to adapt to existing climate variability, and help them protect and improve their livelihood assets.</p> Saumu Mwasha Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNAL OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION OF TANZANIA 2025-06-27 2025-06-27 45 1 1 22 10.56279/jgat.v45i1.334