Becoming wealthy: the life-history of a rural entrepreneur in Tanzania, 1922-80s

Becoming wealthy: the life-history of a rural entrepreneur in Tanzania, 1922-80s

Author: 
Rizzo, Matteo
Publisher: 
Taylor & Francis
Record type: 
Journal Title: 
Journal of Eastern African Studies
Source: 
Journal of Eastern African Studies, Vol. 3, No. 2, March 2009, pp. 221-239
Abstract: 

This paper analyses the life history of a rural entrepreneur in late colonial and post-colonial Tanganyika, Julius Mtenda. Based on oral and archival evidence, including Mtenda's own diaries and private papers, this study examines the historical events that allowed him to move from poverty to relative prosperity, the rationale behind his investments, and the way in which he negotiated the challenges to accumulation that confronted him in the rural environment of Nachingwea. It is argued that the ad hoc convergence between the agenda of Mtenda and that of local government officers (both colonial and post-colonial), evident in many of Mtenda's most significant investments, was the critical factor in his capacity to sustain his accumulation over time.

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CITATION: Rizzo, Matteo. Becoming wealthy: the life-history of a rural entrepreneur in Tanzania, 1922-80s . : Taylor & Francis , . Journal of Eastern African Studies, Vol. 3, No. 2, March 2009, pp. 221-239 - Available at: https://library.au.int/becoming-wealthy-life-history-rural-entrepreneur-tanzania-1922-80s-3