Implementation of land policy in Tanzania: Street level bureaucracy and citizens’ perspectives on farmer-herders conflicts in Momba district
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mzumbe University
Abstract
This study was conducted in Momba District Council in Songwe Region and it was qualitative focusing on the topic titled ‘Implementation of land policy in Tanzania: street level bureaucracy and citizens’ perspectives on farmer-herders conflicts in Momba District’. It used a case study research design employing both in-depth interview and focus group discussion to collect data. The sample size used was 37 respondents including: 1 District land Officer, 1 District Agricultural Officer, 1 District Livestock Officer, 2 Ward Councilors, 2 Ward Executive Officers, 2 Community Development Officers, 4 Village Executive Officers, 4 Village Chairpersons, 10 Farmers, 10 Herders. Data analysis was done using ATLAS.ti, which is a Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS). The study had three specific objectives, namely to examine the land distribution pattern among people in Momba District; to examine the role of customary rights of land ownership in addressing the conflicts between farmers and herders; finally to examine the institutional arrangements in land administration and their role in resolving conflicts between farmers and herders. The study has shown that farmer-herders’ conflicts in Momba District council are triggered by inadequate land use planning caused by financial constraints of the citizens to pay for the service and the government official responsible for land use planning to accomplish the exercise, insufficient land personnel and lack of enough tools to run the exercise. On the other hand, there are cultural beliefs and low awareness on the importance of land ownership either by Certificate of Customary Rights of Occupancy (CCRO) or the title deeds provided by the commissioner of land. Corruption and maladministration by Ward and Village leaders have also fueled the conflicts between farmers and herders in the district. Therefore, it is highly recommended that land use planning should be given a high priority simply because all responsible officials at the village, ward and district level as well as farmers and herders have acknowledged that land use planning will be a game changer in a study area. This implies that failure to implement land policy properly will lead to a continuation of conflicts among the two groups of farmers and herders that situation can result in far reaching consequences.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Masters of Research and Public Policy (MRPP) of Mzumbe University
Keywords
Street level bureaucracy, Land ownership, Land conflicts, Customary rights, Land distribution, Top-down approach, Bottom up approach
Citation
APA