Abstract:
his study examines the challenges faced by land dispute settlement mechanisms and
their impact on sustainable land management in Bagamoyo District. With increasing
land disputes influenced by complex socio-cultural, financial, and institutional
factors, the study focuses on identifying specific barriers that hinder effective land
dispute resolution, particularly in relation to agriculture, environmental conservation,
and socio-economic development. The study was guided by three specific objectives:
first, to identify socio-cultural factors that hinder land dispute settlement mechanisms
towards agriculture production; second, to examine how financial accessibility
affects land dispute settlement mechanisms in relation to environmental
conservation; and third, to analyze the impact of institutional arrangements on land
dispute settlement mechanisms for socio-economic development. The study
employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collected through
questionnaires from local residents with qualitative data from interviews with
government officials, village executive officers, and land surveyors. The sample
comprised 100 participants, representing diverse perspectives within the district’s
population. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to
provide a comprehensive understanding of the barriers to effective land dispute
resolution. Findings reveal that socio-cultural factors, including traditional land
tenure systems and patriarchal social structures, contribute to ongoing conflicts,
impacting agricultural productivity. Financial constraints, such as limited
infrastructure investment and resource diversion, significantly hinder conservation
efforts by preventing communities from adopting sustainable land practices.
Furthermore, institutional limitations, such as political interference, lack of
coordination, and weak regulatory frameworks, were found to obstruct efficient land
dispute resolutions, undermining socio-economic development and community trust.
The study concludes that addressing these challenges requires targeted reforms,
including policy interventions to modernize land tenure systems, increased financial
support for sustainable practices, and enhanced institutional capacity.
Recommendations emphasize the need for community engagement, transparent
governance, and cross-agency collaboration to foster equitable land dispute
resolutions, contributing to sustainable development within Bagamoyo District.
