The role of institutions in mitigating natural resource- based conflicts between farmers and pastoralists in Kilosa and Mvomero districts, Tanzania
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Date
2019
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Recurrent conflicts between farmers and pastoralists have brought significant impact
on both groups and the society at large in Kilosa and Mvomero districts. Mitigation
of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, with the intention of bringing up peace
and tranquility in the community is important for empowering farmers and
pastoralists in terms of skills in modern farming without encroaching other land,
keeping livestock without disturbing others and arbitration mechanisms applied to
mitigate conflicts with little success. This study (i) examined drivers and
consequences of recurrent conflicts, (ii) determined mitigation strategies that would
ameliorate recurrent conflicts arising between farmers and pastoralists in Kilosa and
Mvomero districts and (iii) assessed the role of formal and informal institutions in
mitigating conflict. A sample size of 203 farmers and pastoralists was chosen using a
simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using interview, a
questionnaire survey, documentary review and focus group discussions (FGDs)
methods. Collected data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using
content analytical and binary logistic regression approaches respectively. The
findings show that it would be effective to use a conflict resolution model which is
solely based on social order in four main stages: developing expectations for win-win
solutions, defining each party's interests, brainstorming creative options, and
combining options into win-win solutions. Importantly, the findings revealed that
weak governance structures associated with unethical behaviour, regulatory
deficiencies, socio-economic and environmental factors are responsible for the
recurrence of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. Consequently, the recurrent conflicts have resulted into major socio-economic impacts that include loss of lives
and property to both farmers and pastoralists. Drawing from conflict and conflict
resolution theories, which advocate use of coercive power and participatory
approaches to restore peace, respectively; this thesis concludes that no single strategy
fits all conflicts given the complexity in which such conflicts occur. In the light of
the results, this thesis recommends that the effective way to address farmers-
pastoralists conflicts: should twofold i.e. use both coercive and participatory
approaches. Therefore, the choice of the appropriate strategy will depend on the
context since no single approach fits all types of conflicts. Also the study
recommends that various stakeholders such as the local government and civil
societies should encourage pastoralists to establishing pasture land. In addition, the
LGA should regulate the number of animals per area by formulating bylaws for
controlling livestock populations in areas with limited land in order to match its
carrying capacity, controlling migration of other ethnic groups and guaranteed water
right for farmers and pastoralists for the sake of bringing peace and harmony
between farmers and pastoralists. More importantly, the land policy has some
deficiencies and contradictions because it does not guarantee security of tenure to
some users, especially smallholder groups. Unsecured land tenure system in Tanzania
has accounted to the underdevelopment of the land resource in the country.
Therefore, the situation has resulted into unethical practices such as corruption. For
instance, some village leaders have been receiving bribes from pastoralists thus
allowing them to enter in the villages which ... loads to conflicts with crop producer
This also creates enmity between farmers and pastoralists. The study recommends
that there is a need for the government to effectively establish a transparent and accountability committee whose obligation will be to critically observ rules,
regulations as far as land tenure is concerned. Additionally, the study recommends
that there should be investigation conducted by relevant authorities such as the
Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in order to identify the
sources of these vices and institute legal procedures/actions against the offenders.
Description
A Dissertation
Keywords
Farmers, Pastoralists, Kilosa District, Mvomero District, Tanzania