The nexus of politics and poverty often serves as a potent catalyst for land conflicts. Photo: Courtesy
Tanzania Takes Aim at Land Disputes: Experts Urge Comprehensive Reforms for Sustainable Development
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a significant move aimed at tackling escalating land disputes and fraudulent practices, Tanzania’s Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development has issued a ban on the sale of land through real estate brokerage firms advertising on billboards across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Jerry Silaa, during a session addressing citizen grievances at his office in Dar es Salaam on June 8, 2024.
Under the directive, individuals seeking to sell land are instructed to submit information directly to the relevant district land office rather than through intermediary real estate brokerage companies.
“The proliferation of these billboards has contributed to rampant land conflicts,” emphasized Silaa, who has given a seven-day ultimatum for the removal of all billboards.
However, stakeholders argue that the ban on billboards alone will not effectively address land conflicts.
Cathbert Tomitho, CEO of the Land Rights Institute, criticized Silaa’s directive, suggesting that a more comprehensive regulatory framework for land transactions should have been introduced. He emphasized the need for a structured approach to land business to prevent fraud and conflicts.
“It’s not just about removing billboards; we need a system that regulates land transactions effectively,” remarked Tomitho.
Legal expert Dr. Laurean Mussa echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of establishing land ownership during land surveys.
Dr. Mussa proposed that cadastral maps displaying landowners’ names and parcel sizes be publicly displayed for three months to allow for verification and resolution of ownership disputes.
“The key to resolving land conflicts lies in accurately documenting land ownership and ensuring transparency in land transactions,” Mussa stated.
Responding to the escalating land conflicts, Tanzania could consider adopting measures practiced in developed countries.
Renowned experts like Professor Anna Tibaijuka and Professor Issa Shivji advocate for comprehensive land reforms, including strengthening land governance through legislation and policy frameworks.
The respected dons proposed the establishment of transparent land administration systems, promoting community participation in land management decisions, and investing in public education programs to enhance citizens’ understanding of land laws and rights.
In developed countries like Sweden and Canada, land conflicts are mitigated through stringent land registration systems, public access to land information, and community engagement in land-use planning, says Josephat Mushemba who has lived in Sweden for three decades.
Albert Sanane from EPL Property emphasized the importance of public education in reducing land disputes, stating, “Many citizens lack accurate information on where to buy or sell land, leading to conflicts and fraud.
The government’s ban on billboards will alert people to the proper channels for land transactions, and unscrupulous companies will find it harder to operate.”
Juma Mwingamno, Chairman of the Local Government Chairpersons in Dar es Salaam, supported Silaa’s ban, stating, “This action will prevent conflicts between investors and landowners.
Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Jerry Silaa (pictured in blue suit) has stated that his ministry will ensure all land disputes in Dodoma City are resolved. Photo: Courtesy
When companies selling land operate under the supervision of local authorities, investors will have a clearer understanding of property boundaries and can avoid dealing with dishonest individuals.”
Nurdin Babu, Regional Commissioner of Kilimanjaro, highlighted the main causes of land disputes in his region, citing encroachment on designated areas and boundary disputes between individuals and families. He stressed the importance of proper land demarcation and legal recognition of land ownership to prevent conflicts.
In Mtwara, Regional Commissioner Kanali Abas Ahmed Abas identified a lack of clear land ownership documentation and insufficient public awareness of land rights as contributing factors to land disputes. He emphasized the need for legal reforms and public education initiatives to address these issues effectively.
As Tanzania wrestles with the intricate web of land governance and disputes, the counsel from experts and stakeholders stands as a beacon for policymakers navigating these tumultuous waters.
By enacting sweeping land reforms and prioritizing public education, Tanzania can chart a course toward a more just and sustainable land management framework, catalyzing socio-economic progress and fortifying societal stability.
Drawing inspiration from the successes of developed nations like Sweden and Norway, where robust land registration systems and community involvement have minimized conflicts, Tanzania can glean invaluable lessons.
Professor Anna Tibaijuka, renowned for her expertise in urban planning and land governance, advocates for inclusive policies that empower marginalized communities and safeguard land rights. Similarly, Professor Issa Shivji, a leading authority on land tenure systems, emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying socio-economic disparities and political dynamics fueling land disputes.
Indeed, the nexus of politics and poverty often serves as a potent catalyst for land conflicts. In Tanzania, as in many developing nations, disparities in wealth and influence intersect with political machinations, exacerbating tensions over land ownership and resource allocation. The marginalized and disenfranchised bear the brunt of these disputes, facing eviction, dispossession, and displacement.
To break this cycle of conflict and deprivation, Tanzania must confront systemic inequalities head-on. By enacting policies that prioritize equitable land distribution, empower local communities, and promote transparency and accountability in land governance, Tanzania can foster a future where land serves as a catalyst for progress rather than a source of discord.
In the words of Professor Tibaijuka, “The path to peace and prosperity begins with recognizing land as a fundamental right and ensuring that all citizens have equal access to its benefits.” By embracing this ethos and heeding the insights of experts and stakeholders, Tanzania can forge a brighter future where land disputes are relegated to the annals of history, and the promise of prosperity is within reach for all its citizens.
