Women land ownership rights and their implications on socio-economic development of rural households in Tanzania: a case of Ruangwa district in Lindi region
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Date
2014
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
In Tanzania like other developing countries, land is regarded as a crucial asset in enhancing socio – economic development. In rural areas especially, socio – economic development has been deteriorating putting women and their households in destitution. The researcher conducted the study in Ruangwa District in Lindi Region. The study aimed at assessing the state of women’s land ownership and its effects on socio – economic development of households. The target population included 35 men, 70 women, 3 village officials and 3 NGOs representatives. Random and snowball sampling were used to get respondents who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire for in-depth interview and checklist of questions for focus group discussions as data collection tools. The results show that only 17% of women own land, the means of ownership is still constrained by customs and traditions. Generally, lack of land ownership among women has affected their income, decision making and their households’ food security. Moreover, low awareness on land laws among women and village officials is a stumbling block for women to claim their rights and gain support. The study recommends dissemination of knowledge on land laws to women and the community at large. Also, trainings on land laws should be provided to relevant machineries including village officials and land councils’ members at both village and ward level. Lastly, the Government should speed up the process of land surveys and reduce its costs to ensure having title deeds for women and men’s land and equality in ownership and socio–economic development.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HQ1236.5.T34K59)
Keywords
Women landowners, Right of property, Economic development, Rural households, Ruangwa district, Lindi region, Tanzania
Citation
Kiyola, T. A (2014) Women land ownership rights and their implications on socio-economic development of rural households in Tanzania: a case of Ruangwa district in Lindi region, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.