Effectiveness of Government Intervention in Resolving Conflict Between Pastoralists and Farmers in Handeni District, Tanzania

Abstract

The conflicts between farmers and pastoralists have prevailed in several parts of the world in history, posing effects such as deaths, injuries, economic hardship and loss of properties. This study focused on exploring the effectiveness of government intervention in resolving conflicts between pastoralists and farmers in Handeni District, Tanzania. Data were collected from 60 respondents selected through a simple random technique. The study was guided by three objectives, which are to examine the causes of the conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, to assess the effects of the conflicts between farmers and pastoralists and to suggest measures that could improve the effectiveness of the government in managing the conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.  The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey design, where data for this study were collected using both primary and secondary sources. Primary data sources included questionnaires, while secondary data was collected through document review. The sampling techniques included both probability and non-probability sampling. Quantitative data were analysed through SPSS version 25, while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The results revealed that conflicts between farmers and pastoralists were caused by competition over resources and climate change. The impacts of the conflicts between farmers and pastoralists included deaths and economic hardship. It was also found that the government was moderately effective in managing the conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. The study recommends that the government should put much effort into addressing the root causes of the conflicts, such as droughts and ensure that land use planning and management are effectively implemented.