Project Info

Livelihoods and Gemstones: Maasai Tanzanite Traders in Northern Tanzania

The goal of this project is to examine the changes that have occurred in Maasai households and communities related to their activities in the gemstone (tanzanite) industry. The goal of this project are interesting because it will allow us to understand some of the changes that can occur when communities diversify their livelihoods. In particular, it will demonstrate the varied impacts that involvement in mining related activities can have on indigenous communities.

More Information

Links to Smith’s publications on Maasai and the tanzanite trade. This research the student will be involved with will be an extension of the work presented in these articles.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2016.02.008
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00220388.2014.957278

Grand Engineering Challenge: Not applicable

Student Preparation

Qualifications

The student should have an eagerness to learn about social science data methodologies and analysis. They should be able to organize and analyze data using simple statistical and graphical methods.

Time Commitment

16-24 hours/month

Skills/Techniques Gained

The student will gain skills in literature searches and reviews, interpreting and presenting social science data, and presenting data in creative ways. They will gain knowledge of East African pastoralists (Maasai), social science methods and data analysis, and gemstone mining.

Mentoring Plan

Weekly meetings
Feedback on writing and analyses
Support for presenting a poster at the undergraduate research symposium at Mines and at the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Meetings
Connecting them to other professionals in the field