Assessment of socio-economic impact of inter-clan conflicts on women from Kurya ethnic group in Tanzania: a case study of Tarime district

The aim of this research was to investigate the socio-economic impact of inter-clan conflicts on women in Tarime as a case study with a focus on the Kurya antagonistic clans namely: Nchari, Renchoka, and Kira. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed in form of content analysis and quantitative data especially from questionnaires were organized, presented and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Findings revealed that conflicts of the researched rival clans are highly concentrated around Mwema, Susuni and Nyamalaga wards in Tarime District. Inter-clan conflicts are exacerbated by cattle theft, land disputes, prejudice, influence of clan elders, traditional circumcision, cultivation and use of marijuana as well as lack of proper security at the Tanzania-Kenya border. These inter-clan conflicts have compelled women to bear great socio-economic burden and usually under the unrest situation. The conflicts have increased the domestic workload of women and have limited them from accessing health and market services. In the wake of inter-clan fighting, some women have suffered from psychological and physical trauma even to the point of death. Agriculture and petty trade as the main economic activities that constitute great percent of food and income among many households are only left to women who have to serve as the breadwinners since men concentrate on fighting. Similarly, violent conflicts are hindering crop cultivation and have limited petty trade undertaken by women on clan bases leading to an increased uneconomical use of time, high transport cost and lack of reliable markets for selling and buying commodities. Conflicts have also weakened social capital and economic cooperation among women. Participatory approaches for conflict resolution which have to involve the local people and the experts from different fields are highly recommended by this study. These should include: establishment of clear and permanent clan land and village boundaries as well as strengthening security at the Tanzania-Kenya border. Provision of education including vocational training and running the inter-clan collective activities such as sports also are among the suggested measures which need to be undertaken in resolving and preventing inter-clan conflicts for the sake of peace, unity and socio-economic development in Tarime.