An Analysis Of The Trends And Extent Of Conflicts Between Pastoralist And Smallholder Crop Farmers In Kiteto District In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This research report describes the extent of the conflict between farmers and herders in Kiteto District which is found in Manyara District in Tanzania; the study is extended into exploring the root causes of the conflict, its impact and the effectiveness of the strategies that are used to curb out the conflict in the District. Data were collected from ten villages sampled from four wards in the District. Data were obtained through qualitative procedures, i.e. focus group discussion, face-toface interviews and observation. A total of one hundred (100) informants were sampled using both purposive and random sampling techniques to provide the information needed for the study. The study found that the conflict between farmer and herders still exists in the District though in the outward it is seen that the conflict is ended; for example, there are still verbal fights and ridicules between the two groups. The conflict between the two groups is fueled by ethnic discriminations, corruption, political interests and lack of awareness among others. The conflict left consequential effects, including death, destruction of property, killing of animals, socials and psychological effects. The strategies that are used by the government to address the conflict are not effective since the conflict still continues, it was found that the government uses threats, meets some few people instead of the whole population to reconcile; above all, the Government has not been taking precautions to prevent the conflict, rather it makes interventions after the outbreak of the conflict. With these findings, it is concluded that the conflict in Kiteto still exists and the strategies to address it are not yet found. It is, therefore, recommended in this study that the Government should make early interventions to prevent the conflict rather than making post interventions to address the conflict.