Government Initiative Eases Water Access Conflicts in Mbeya

Farmers and pastoralists in Manienga Village, Mawindi Ward, Mbarali District, Mbeya Region, have expressed gratitude to the Sixth Phase Government for the REGROW (Resilient Natural Resource Governance) project, which has significantly improved their access to water.

The project has built watering troughs for livestock and drilled wells to provide safe drinking water, an initiative costing over 600 million Tanzanian shillings.

Previously, both the villagers and their livestock relied on a single water source, the Kyoga River, which often led to conflicts over water usage. Now, thanks to the REGROW project, separate sources are available, alleviating these conflicts. The village chairman, Laison Mbende, noted that livestock now have dedicated watering points, and irrigation farming can be sustained using water from the Kyoga River, which eventually flows into the Ruaha River, benefiting wildlife in the Ruaha National Park

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address land and resource disputes between farmers and pastoralists, a common issue in many parts of Tanzania. The project aligns with national efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable resource management. Regional authorities have also been working on demarcating specific areas for grazing to reduce disputes

In addition to the infrastructure developments, the project has facilitated training for local land councils on legal conflict resolution methods.

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This training has empowered these councils to handle disputes more effectively and educate the community on the importance of peaceful cohabitation. According to council member Mabrouk Masua, the training has led to a significant reduction in land-related conflicts and fostered a culture of dialogue and mutual respect between farmers and pastoralists

As part of the efforts to ensure sustainability, authorities are encouraging pastoralists to purchase private land for grazing, especially those with large herds, to alleviate pressure on public grazing areas. This initiative aims to balance the needs of both farmers and pastoralists, ensuring that each group has adequate resources without encroaching on the other’s space

The success of the REGROW project in Manienga Village is seen as a model for other regions facing similar conflicts. By improving access to water and promoting cooperative land use, the project supports both agricultural productivity and pastoral livelihoods, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the area .