An Assessment Of Rural Women Land Ownership Rights And Its Effects On Household Food Security: A Case Of Rural Women In Hai District

ABSTRACT

Despite the efforts and strategies geared towards women in realizing property rights

in terms of empowerment, participation and decision making in the global context

today many African societies are still characterized by social economic and political

inequalities between men and women. This situation is worse in Tanzania rural areas

where women land ownership rights are violated as a result of culture being regarded

as a daily routine that provides the basis and ways of owned and distributed. A

qualitative research methodology was the main tool for generating research materials

during the research process. Emphasis in this was laid on research interviews, field

observation and a study of secondary research sources has also been used in

situations where it is preferred. The study has examined the ways in which land

ownership rights for women are offered and practiced at the local level. It is revealed

that women‟s land rights are facing many challenges which are grounded in culture.

Moreover, it is revealed that Land Laws for women which are defined by the

statutory laws are facing contradictions with customary laws something which has

created conflict and tension with land rights for women. It has been observed that,

the duty holders for rights play a limited role in helping women to realize their rights.

In addition, the task for promoting land rights in terms of advocacy and legal aid

provision for women which is largely done by NGOs is facing some problems in

terms of coverage. The study finds that, NGOs are town oriented while many

problems for women‟s land rights widespread in rural areas. Moreover, the study

revealed that land is the powerful means of livelihood provisions for women. This

has increased the level of poverty on the part of women, an immediate law and

policy reforms pertaining land rights have been suggested with effective

implementation of reformed laws to be practiced both at national and local level.