Land Rights Programme Review: Tanzania

The review in Tanzania was the last country programme review following reviews in Zambia and Nepal earlier in 2009.

By Rakel Larsen, Programme Manager for Land Rights

28. januar 2010

The purpose of these reviews was to improve the consistency, relevance and efficiency of the overall Land Rights theme, sharing lessons learnt and best practices. Lessons learnt and recommendations from the three country programmes have been summarised in a synthesis report, which can be found here.

In Tanzania the review of the Land Rights programme included a review of one ‘old’ land rights partner (CORDS) and an appraisal of the three ‘new’ land rights partners (Morogoro Paralegal Centre, NARAMATISHO and Vijana Vision Tanzania). The review team consisted of representatives from ActionAid Tanzania, Zambia Land Alliance (MS Zambia partner) and MSTZAADK, the Land Rights Theme Coordinator from MSAADK and an external team leader. During the 10-day field mission, the team visited the four partners and local communities and interviewed representatives from partner organisations, representatives from other NGOs, district authorities, village leaders and villagers (beneficiaries).

The report on the Tanzania review has been finalised, and MSTZAADK is now to comment on the recommendations and agree with MSAADK on the follow-up. The four Land Rights partners have also been provided the opportunity to give their general comments to the sections concerning their respective organisations.

The report, though not yet made public, confirms the relevance of working with the Land Rights theme and with the current Land Rights partners. The report also highlights some lessons learnt as well as some of the challenges facing MSTZAADK and the partner in implementing the Land Rights Programme, e.g. land conflicts over uses of and interests in land. The report mentions examples from Kiteto and Morogoro districts where women, as a result of land rights interventions, are becoming aware of their land rights and are claiming those rights. Land Rights partners are commented on their experiences, commitment and networking with local authorities and local communities.
The Land Rights Programme review is a learning experience for MSTZAADK and the Land Rights partners which can provide inputs for future implementation and development of the Land Rights Programme in Tanzania.