Understanding dynamics of farmer-pastoralist conflicts in Tanzania: insights from Kilosa district case study

Abstract

Farmer-pastoralist conflicts over land resources in Tanzania are increasingly raising concerns in terms of security, livelihoods, and socioeconomic development. Against this backdrop, the article focuses on the Kilosa district case study to unveil the socio-political dynamics surrounding these conflicts to enhance insightful understanding.  The article employs the environmental security and political ecology theories to explore the theoretical debates about the conflicts in question. The article draws on social constructionism philosophy that allows stakeholders’ perspectives to be the epicentre of interpretation and analysis. It further draws on qualitative research design where a range of qualitative data collection techniques were employed, including in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, and documentary reviews. Data collected were analyzed through thematic and narrative analysis techniques, where resulting themes were interpreted and discursively integrated with existing literature. The findings show how the environmental security and political ecology theories reinforce or contrast the nature of farmer-pastoralist conflict dynamics in the district.  It further suggests broader engagement of stakeholders in determining contested needs, areas of contradiction and a relevant framework for resource governance, access, and management of related conflicts.