Changes in domestic conflict management in Tanzania: a case of Wagorowa people in Babati district, Tanzania, 1880s-1950s

This study examines the transformation of indigenous institutions in managing and resolving domestic conflicts among Wagorowa people in Babati District, northern Tanzania, between 1880s and 1950s. The study is guided by the premise that conflicts in a society are in essence the manifestation of contradictions that show incompatibility in a society over interest, belief and power relations. Conflict management and resolution are therefore in avoidable aspects of any society. The study employed an historical approach in investigating the transformation of institutions for domestic conflict management and resolution among the Gorowa people of Babati district in Tanzania. The study collected data by using library, archival and oral sources. The study revealed the following findings. First, institutions for conflicts management and resolution between 1880s and 1950s have transformed whereby some changed from Gorowa indigenous to colonial institutions and others have remained unaltered Second, Christianity, colonialism and the money economy introduced new laws as well as order. The study found out that these created conducive environments for the emergence of new conflicts and new techniques of handling them. Third, the study found out that the establishment of British rule from 1920s- 1950s consolidated the transformation of Gorowa people. The mushrooming of schools and Christian institutions as well as modernization drives were behind this. The study concludes that the establishment of colonial rule in essence brought about major changes in the administration of justice as well as the institutions for conflicts management and resolution.