Simanjiro District is one of the six districts of the Manyara Region of Tanzania. It is bordered to the north by Arusha Region, to the north east by Kilimanjaro Region, to the south east by Tanga Region, to the south by Kiteto District, to the south west by Dodoma Region and to the west by Babati Rural District. The district headquarters are located in Orkesumet. According to the 2022 Tanzania National Census, the population of Simanjro District was 291,169.[1][2] Simanjiro District is endowed with gemstones, being the only location on the planet that has tanzanite. Simanjiro was also where the first tsavolite was discovered.
Simanjiro District | |
|---|---|
 Simanjiro District of Manyara Region | |
| Country |  Tanzania |
| Region | Manyara Region |
| Area | |
| • Total | 19,816 km2 (7,651 sq mi) |
| Population (2022) | |
| • Total | 291,169 |
| • Density | 15/km2 (38/sq mi) |
Administrative subdivisions
editAs of 2012, Simanjiro District was administratively divided into 17 wards.[2]
| Ward Number | Name | Population (2012 Census) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orkesumet | 5,325 | District Seat of Government, translates to long wells of water in English.[3] |
| 2 | Naberera | 19,814 | |
| 3 | Loiborsiret | 13,569 | |
| 4 | Emboreet | 8,860 | |
| 5 | Terrat | 8,586 | |
| 6 | Oljoro No. 5 | 15,527 | |
| 7 | Shambarai | 9,420 | |
| 8 | Mererani | 13,450 | |
| 9 | Msitu wa Tembo | 12,054 | Translates to elephant forest in English |
| 10 | Ngorika | 7,417 | |
| 11 | Liborsoit | 7,207 | |
| 12 | Ruvu Remiti | 5,077 | |
| 13 | Kitwai | 5,914 | |
| 14 | Komolo | 11,555 | |
| 15 | Naisinyai | 11,144 | |
| 16 | Endiamtu | 13,621 | |
| 17 | Endonyongijape | 10,153 |
Demographics
editThe 2012 Tanzanian Census reported that the district had a population of 178,693, with an average household size of 4.6 people.[2] The 2002 Tanzanian Census reported that the district had a population of 141,676, with an average household size of 4.3 people.[4]
Many of the district's inhabitants are ethnic Maasai.[3] Many of the district's Maasai population are illiterate, have no formal education, and are practicing Christians.[3]
Economy
editThe area is home to the national gem of Tanzania, tanzanite. A rare gem only found in Mererani hills in Merereani ward in with Simanjiro District, Manyara Region.[5] Masai millionai based in Arusha region, Saniniu Laizer made headlines in 2020 after mining three stones and selling them for approximately $5.4 million.[5] Simanjiro's economy revolves around mining of tanzanite, however the district has not been able to reap the economic benefits of such a lucrative industry
Due to the district's predominant Maasai population the second largest industry is beef pastoral, with a 1994 report states that 71,531 Maasai in the district practice pastoralism.[3] There are a significant number of extension agents in the district who sell agricultural information.[3]
Media
editOrkonerei FM Radio, a Maasai language radio station is located in the town of Terrat.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Simanjiro (District, Tanzania) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
- ^ a b c d "2012 PHC: Population Distribution by Administrative Areas". National Bureau of Statistics (Tanzania). Retrieved 2020-08-11.
- ^ a b c d e f Mosha, Goodluck; Lotegelwaki, Obedy; Nyakwaka, David Onyango (2018-06-22). "Information Needs and Sources of Maasai Pastoralists at Orkesumet in Simanjiro District Manyara Region -Tanzania". Library Philosophy and Practice – via ResearchGate.
- ^ "2002 POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS- General Report". National Bureau of Statistics (Tanzania). 2003. Archived from the original on 2006-06-18. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
- ^ a b "Miner earns millions after second rare find". BBC News. 2020-08-03. Retrieved 2020-08-11.