Abstract:
This study investigates the challenges and effectiveness of implementing legal
frameworks for resolving conflicts between pastoralists and farmers in Kilosa District,
Tanzania. The research explores the understanding of these frameworks among
community members, examines the conflict resolution approaches employed, and
identifies the obstacles that impede the successful implementation of legal mechanisms.
The central thesis is that the effectiveness of conflict resolution is significantly influenced
by the interplay between cultural practices, structural barriers, and operational
inefficiencies. The problem is characterized by frequent and unresolved conflicts that stem
from competing land use interests, compounded by limited community awareness of
formal legal processes, a preference for traditional dispute resolution methods, and
systemic challenges such as insufficient resources, corruption, and ineffective law
enforcement. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions with 37
respondents, including farmers, pastoralists, local government officials, and legal
practitioners, and analyzed using NVivo software to identify key themes. The findings
reveal that cultural resistance, a lack of resources, and integrity issues undermine the
implementation of legal frameworks, suggesting that a hybrid model incorporating
traditional practices could improve conflict management. This study extends the
theoretical understanding of rural conflict resolution by advocating for culturally
integrated approaches, provides empirical evidence on the need for policy reforms, and
offers practical recommendations for enhancing legal education, resource allocation, and
anti-corruption measures.
