Effects of imbalances in the ownership of land, livestock and financial resources between men and women at household in Tanzania: a case of Meatu District

Despite the imperative role women play within the society, gender issues have been the impeding factors that block their efforts towards realization of their full potentials in the society. With property rights mostly still in men’s favour, resources distribution and allocation between men and women at the household level are not promising and has developed a gap that shows the imbalance in ownership between them. This study aimed at examining the effects of land, livestock and financial resources ownership imbalances between men and women at the household level in Tanzania with a case study of Meatu District. The study sought to observe the nature and extent of resources ownership imbalances between men and women at the household level; to examine its effects; and find out possible solutions to the problem. To make sure that all the objectives of the study were met, this study was guided by a descriptive research design in which a case study was used with both, qualitative and quantitative approaches being employed where by questionnaires and interviews were used. The questionnaires were designed specifically for 128 respondents of this study while the interview guide was for five (5) key informants. Data analysis and presentation were both quantitative and qualitative where by descriptive statistics were computed including frequencies and percentages of responses as well as the use of content analysis method. The findings of this study were able to demonstrate the nature and extent of the imbalances in resources ownership the data illustrated that the imbalances are traditionally oriented and customary laws are the reason for their existence. Data suggest that land ownership is a big problem to farmers and most of the land is, however, under the few male elders and financially healthy people while other farmers use borrowed land. Very few women were found to have land title and when it happens, it is a very small piece of land, mostly to female-headed households. In livestock and financial resources men own large numbers of livestock and big species such as cattle, unlike women who own a few and small livestock. In financial resources, men still are dominant. Regarding the effects, resources ownership imbalances affect household decision making and participation of men and women in production activities that affect household development plans which in turn affects household income and purchasing power in general. Also, resources ownership imbalances affect household members socially. In most cases they have led to shortage of food, poor family care such as poor health and education services, and even marriage. Basing on the solution to the problem, the majority of the people said it is impossible to change the existing system of resources ownership that is patriarchy in nature while very few conceded that one day the system will change, but only if gender education reaches the majority of the people and strong enforcement of legal rights, especially in property rights. As indicated in this study, imbalances in resources ownership between men and women at the household level is still a problem that affects the society. It is recommended, therefore, that gender education should be given to the people and women in particular to understand their rights. Also, women should be given enough chances in formal employment and make sure that there is property rights enforcement at all levels.