Basic Facts & Geography

Rufiji is one of the six districts of the Pwani Region in Tanzania.

It borders Kisarawe and Mkuranga Districts to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, Kilwa District (in Lindi Region) to the south, and Morogoro Region to the west.

The district capital is Utete, located on the southern banks of the Rufiji River.

The district takes its name from the Rufiji River, which flows through it to the Indian Ocean.

The district covers about 9,485 square kilometers.

As of the 2022 census, the population was around 159,906.

Administrative Structure

Rufiji is divided into 3 divisions, 19 wards, 94 registered villages, and about 385 hamlets.

Some wards include: Bungu, Chumbi, Ikwiriri, Kibiti, Kiongoroni, Mahege, Mbwara, Mkongo, Mwaseni, Ngorongo, and Utete.

Economy & Natural Resources

The economy is dominated by subsistence farming and fishing, with about 95% of residents engaged in these activities.

Cash crops include cashew nuts, cotton, and sesame.

Food crops include maize, rice, cassava, beans, fruits, and vegetables.

Out of the arable land, only a fraction is under cultivation, though irrigation potential exists in schemes such as Nyamweke.

The district has recently focused on climate-smart forestry and reforestation to combat deforestation and environmental challenges.

Challenges & Developments

Deforestation and illegal logging remain significant problems due to agricultural expansion and charcoal production.

Authorities are encouraging stricter enforcement of forestry laws and raising awareness in communities.

Flooding is a recurring risk, particularly in the Rufiji river valley and delta areas, affecting infrastructure and livelihoods.

Health infrastructure has been under review in recent years, with particular attention to flood-affected wards and rural health facilities.