An assessment of natural gas development scheme and popular resistance in Mtwara, Tanzania

This study was an attempt to assess the popular resistance to natural gas development schemes in Mtwara, Tanzania. In particular, the study aims were: to examine the main factors that influenced the occurrence of the Mtwara popular resistance; to identify the social characters of the main organizers of Mtwara resistance; to analyze the social support base of the resistance and to evaluate the organizational methods that facilitated the eruption of the Mtwara resistance. Data collection was done by using interviews, documentary review, grapevine, focus group discussion and observation within Mtwara-Mikindani Municipality. Data was analyzed qualitatively by using content and discourse methods. Although popular explanations for the genesis of Mtwara resistance was the construction of the gas pipeline from Mtwara to Dar es Salaam, the findings show that, the main cause was the government’s historic neglect of social, political and economic welfare of Mtwara and Southern regions. In particular, it was poor participation and involvement of local people in the government projects. Mtwara residents also resisted the violent model that the government used (the army) to calm the situation. This poor environment in socio-economic and political made politicians, businessmen, NGOs and religious leaders to organise the community to resist non-violently and violently to voice up their claims to the government.