Critical Factors Influencing Land Conflicts and Strategies Employed to Mitigate Them in Dodoma City, Tanzania

Magdalena Mwaruanda Adwell & Alfred Sebahene
St. John’s University of Tanzania
Email: magmwa@gmail.com

Abstract: Globally, land conflicts have long been a critical issue, particularly in rural, urban, and peri-urban areas. In Tanzania, various strategies have been implemented to manage land disputes, but challenges persist due to rapid urbanization and competing land use. Therefore, the study focused on assessing the factors influencing land conflicts and mitigation strategies used in Dodoma City Council, whereby Nzuguni ward was selected as a case study. The study used a mixed-methods approach, which accommodated a case study research design. Structured questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection involving a total of 98 respondents randomly selected from the study area. Quantitative data were analysed by descriptive analysis, while qualitative data were analysed using the content analysis method. It was found that rapid urbanisation, competing land uses, inadequate land use planning, land speculation, and corruption are the common factors contributing to land conflicts in Nzuguni ward. The study also found that land conflicts in Dodoma City have been efficiently addressed by adopting various strategies such as participatory urban planning, mediation and arbitration, legal and policy framework, and digital land registration. The study recommends anti-corruption measures, improved land tenure security, community empowerment, and policy reforms to mitigate land conflicts. By addressing these challenges, stakeholders can promote sustainable land management and socio-economic stability in peri-urban and urban areas of Dodoma City Council.