Katavi region lies between Latitudes 5º 15’’ to 7º 03’’ South of Equator and Longitude 30º to 33º of East of Greenwich. It is bordered by Urambo District (Tabora) to the North Sikonge District (Tabora) to the East, Chunya District (Mbeya) to the East, Nkasi District (Rukwa), to the South, Sumbawanga District (Rukwa) to the South – East, Democratict Republic of Congo to the West (separated by Lake Tanganyika) and Kigoma District (Kigoma) to the Northwest.
The region is made up of two districts namely Mpanda and Mlele. It has 10 divisions, 42 wards, 129 villages, 541 sub villages (vitongoji) and 16 streets (mitaa).
Based on the population census reports of 2012, Katavi region had a population of 564,604 with 3.2% growth rate, among them Male are 279,682 and Female are 284,922.
Katavi Region has an altitude ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level, the average temperature ranges between 26ºC and 30ºC annually. Mean annual rainfall ranges from 920 mm to 1,200 mm. The district is characterized by highlands, small mountain peaks, moderate hills, Mwese highlands, gentle plains and plateaus. The region is also characterized by Lake Tanganyika which has steep hills, gentle plateaus and plains, the gentle plains of Karema depression and Katumba plains. The miombo woodlands is the most predominantly vegetation in the region.
The region forms the major catchments area of the three main rivers namely Ugalla, Rungwa and Kavuu Rivers with Kalambasi, Wala and Msaginya as feeders for these rivers.
The region is classified into five agro- economic zones namely Katumba plains, Mwese Highlands, Karema Depression, Lake Rukwa Valley and Lake Tanganyika.
1. Uruwira Irrigation scheme with 350Ha.
2. Kakese Irrigation scheme with 6,381 Ha.
3. Ugalla Irrigation scheme with 225 Ha.
4. Kambuzi Halt irrigation scheme with 125 Ha.
5. Bee production
2.
Mwese Highlands
Mwese Division
1100 - 2500
Sandy day warm soil with good drainage main soil order ultisol
(Hilly)
Rainfall- 10-1100
1. Coffee Investment with 854 Ha.
2. Min-Ranches with 34604 cattle.
3. Nsambara Irrigation Scheme 136 Ha
4. Lugonesi Irrigation Scheme 95.5 Ha
5. Msimbazi Irrigation Scheme 44.0 Ha
3.
Karema Depression
Karema Division
1000-1300
Sandy day loam soil
(Ferrisols)
Rainfall- Annual
Rainfall averages is about 1200.
Agriculture
Maize, Cassava, paddy
Livestock
Cattle, goats, sheep, poultry
Others
Fishing & Lumbering.
Karema Irrigation scheme with 2721 ha.
4.
Lake Rukwa
Valley
Mpimbwe Division
The elevation varies from 1000-1100m with north and 800 – 900 along Lake Rukwa’s shores.
Sandy loam soils with moderate good drainage. Main soil (inception)
Rainfall drops off toward the south, from around 1250mm per year to between 840mm-970mm in the Lee ward side of the Lyambalyamfipa Escarpment.
1. Mwamapuli irrigation scheme with 13,650 ha.
2. Investment in Agricultural Processing Industries (Rice milling machine and Chip body processing Machines).
3. Min-ranches with 99,256 animals.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN KATAVI REGION
This profile highlights on the investment opportunities available in Katavi Region. It surveys albeit shortly but concisely the geographical location, land area, administrative units, climate and agro-ecological zones found in the region.
The region is very productive in agriculture due to good rainfall and conducive climate. It receives annual rainfall ranging from 900 mm to 1,200 mm with average temperature of 26˚C to 30˚C annually and has four Agro- Economic zones (table 1). The region is dominated by miombo woodland which harbor abundant wildlife, produces quality timber and honey. Information on the priority areas of investment in Katavi region has been emphasized in tables below. These priority areas include Agriculture & Livestock development, Natural resources, Tourism, Manufacturing, Mining, Real Estate, Transportation, Services, ICT, Financial Institutions, Telecommunications, Energy, Human Resources and Economic Infrastructure.
Katavi region invites investors to invest on larger scale farming, seed processing industries, milling machine, fruits processing industries and horticulture farming. Livestock sector offers opportunities in meat processing, tanneries, poultry farming, ranching as well as animal services and pharmaceuticals.
The profile also gives the investment opportunities available in the forestry sub sector; these are wood processing industries, wild fruits processing industries, handcrafts as well as timber trade industry. Meanwhile investment opportunities in beekeeping are such as honey and wax processing industries, honey/wine brewing industries and cosmetic industries.
Fishing and fish canning is yet another area available for investment due to the lake waters which is rich in fish and fishery. Major fish species found in the area are such as sardines, English fish and Nile perch.
Tourism sector offers a variety of opportunities; these include investment in transportation, catering, accomodation in the form of hotels, restaurants, tented camps and tents. There is also an opportunity to invest on visitor use facilities and high profile water sports such as sports fishing, surfing, canoeing and diving.
Mining sector has the greatest potential for investment. A variety of minerals are found in the area, which include copper, gold, cobalt, mica, zinc and lead.
The profile ends by giving investment potential available in the social sector which includes education, and health. The need for investing in this sector needs no elaboration. This is supported with the fast increase in population and the need brought about by the envisaged increase in investors who will need modern and standard schools and health facilities. The opportunities of the above priorities for investment are explained in the tables below in Katavi Councils namely: Mpanda District Council, Mpanda Town Council, Mlele District Council and Nsimbo District Council.
