Land Conflict Management through the Implementation of the National Land Policy in Tanzania: Evidence from Kigoma Region

Abstract

The land policy in Tanzania, which has been implemented since 1995, aims to resolve land-use problems. This study explored the implementation of land policy in rural Tanzania. A cross-sectional multiple data collection technique was performed during the period July–November, 2017 to examine whether the policy has addressed land issues, including land conflicts. The findings indicate a significant association between immigrants and land conflicts, thus implying an insecure land tenure. The results also show that the realization of land policy was hampered by insufficient budgetary allocation and too few land staff to spearhead the land policy and legislation requirements. In view of these findings, this article suggests that the government must mobilize the resources required for registering communal land and simultaneously reinforce the use of social institutions, cultural norms, and adjoining landowners in securing land rights. This decision will encourage the majority of rural landowners (peasants and herdsmen) to invest in their land for higher and sustainable production.