Mapping economic linkages between river basin management and cross-border trade performance in Tanzania

Cross-border trade is vital for household income, food security, and sustainable livelihoods in the Mara River Basin. Thus, this study mapped the economic linkages between river basin management and cross-border trade performance across Tarime, Rorya, and Serengeti districts in the Mara Region, Tanzania. Specifically, to analyze the: (i) socio-economic and livelihood characteristics of cross-border traders; (ii) sectoral contributions to the river basin economy; and (iii) determinants of household cross-border trade income. The study randomly selected a sample size of 393 farmers. The cross-sectional data collected through interviews and questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models. The descriptive results indicate that household heads had an average age of 43.6 years, a mean household size of 5.3 members, and 9.4 years of schooling. Female-headed households accounted for 27.1% of respondents and exhibited lower access to credit (38.9%), highlighting persistent gender disparities. Adoption of river basin management practices by 54.3% of households was associated with a 28% improvement in agricultural yields. Agriculture emerged as the dominant economic sector, followed by fisheries, while eco-tourism contributed the least. Econometric results show that adoption of river basin management practices, sectoral participation, access to credit, education, age of household head, and household size positively influenced cross-border trade income, while female-headed households were negatively associated with income (p < 0.05). The findings underscore the strong interdependence between river basin management and cross-border trade performance, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive policies and enhanced sector-specific support to promote sustainable economic growth in the basin.