Tanzania Faces Escalating Land Disputes Threatening National Identity

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a poignant reflection, esteemed Tanzanian legal scholar Prof. Issa Shivji has sounded the alarm on alarming trends in Tanzania's land governance, warning of a rapid land grab orchestrated by what he describes as "new agents of imperialism.

 These agents, characterized by short-sighted politics and narrow visions, pose a significant threat to Tanzania's sovereignty over its natural resources.

"Since colonial times, Tanzania has been grappling with land disputes," Shivji asserts, noting that while it avoided the large-scale land seizures seen in neighboring countries like Kenya and Zimbabwe, it has not been immune to external pressures. "The legacy of colonialism set the stage for ongoing struggles over land ownership and usage," he adds.

The issue has escalated in recent decades, with small-scale producers such as farmers and herders increasingly finding their lands targeted under various pretexts. "Land, the foundation of our nation, is under siege," Shivji declares, pointing to a disturbing trend of land acquisitions masked under conservation and economic development projects.

"The current administration's plan to expand conservation areas from 30% to 50% of the country's landmass is particularly concerning," Shivji emphasizes.

He warns that this move could transform Tanzania into a "Republic of National Parks," prioritizing foreign tourists and hunting companies over indigenous communities.

 This expansion has sparked fierce resistance, notably in areas like Ngorongoro and Loliondo, where Maasai communities face displacement to make way for luxury tourist facilities.

Historically, Tanzania's first President, Julius Nyerere, advocated for a socialist approach to land ownership, promoting communal land rights and equitable distribution. His vision, once a cornerstone of Tanzanian policy, stands in stark contrast to current trends favoring large-scale investors and external interests.

Chadema Vice Chair Tundu Lissu, a prominent voice in Tanzanian politics and law, echoes Prof. Issa Shivji's concerns about Tanzania's land issues.

 "The issue of land in Tanzania is not just about legal disputes; it is about our national identity and economic sovereignty," Lissu asserts. He highlights ongoing conflicts between local communities and government agencies over land rights, exacerbated by vague or conflicting legal frameworks.

Prof. Anna Tibaijuka, another distinguished scholar from the University of Dar es Salaam, highlights the complexities of land governance in Tanzania.

"Effective land management requires transparent policies that balance economic development with environmental conservation and community rights," Tibaijuka argues. She urges for reforms that empower local communities to participate actively in decision-making processes concerning their lands.

Late Prof. Laurean Kanywanyi, whose seminal works from the University of Dar es Salaam continue to influence discourse on land rights, documented historical injustices, and their enduring impact on Tanzania's social fabric. His research highlighted how post-colonial governments, despite independence promises, often perpetuated or exacerbated land inequalities.

In response to these challenges, civil society organizations and grassroots movements are mobilizing to protect local land rights. "Our lands are not for sale," proclaims a Maasai elder from Loliondo, symbolizing a broader sentiment of defiance against encroachments.

A recent investigation by the Centre for Strategic Litigation, alongside Media Brains and SK Media, has reignited concerns over human rights abuses during past wildlife conservation operations in Tanzania.

Dr. Hellen Kijjo Bisimba, former Executive Chairperson of the Legal and Human Rights Centre, highlighted the legacy of operations like "Operation Uhai" and "Operation Tokomeza," originally aimed at curbing elephant poaching and eliminating wildlife crime within national parks.

These operations, however, were marred by severe human rights violations, prompting ministerial resignations but failing to prompt lasting reforms. Despite this history, Tanzania continues to grapple with balancing conservation efforts and human rights protections.

"The crucial question in conservation remains: is it for the wildlife or the people?" Dr. Bisimba queried, as a third of Tanzania's land is designated as national parks. While vital for preserving natural resources, this designation disproportionately affects local communities whose livelihoods depend on these lands.

Compounding these issues, Tanzania's population has grown significantly since independence in 1961, placing greater pressure on limited land resources. Dr. Bisimba emphasized the urgent need for inclusive conservation practices that respect human rights, citing instances where communities have been forcibly evicted without adequate compensation or alternative land.

"The report unveiled stark realities of indigenous communities displaced to pave the way for conservation, often without consultation or fair compensation," Dr. Bisimba noted, underlining the inequities in Tanzania's conservation policies.

Effective conservation, she argues, must prioritize human dignity and community involvement to ensure that conservation efforts benefit local populations as intended. This call comes amidst growing international scrutiny over Tanzania's conservation practices, urging a reevaluation that prioritizes both environmental stewardship and human rights protection.

Navigating these critical junctures in its development, Tanzania faces a pivotal debate over land governance. Will it heed the lessons of history and empower its citizens to safeguard their natural heritage? Or will it yield to pressures that could reshape its identity and future? The stakes are immense: Tanzania's choices today will sculpt not just its economic path but also its social unity and environmental vitality for generations to come.