Negotiating Recognition of “Indigenous Peoples” in Tanzania: Development, Conflict and Rights Struggles

This study is about negotiation for recognition of indigenous peoples (IPs) in Tanzania. It analyses the conflictual relationship over recognition and equitable sharing of natural resources between the Tanzanian state and indigenous peoples, from the early years of independence, and especially in the past decade or so. As indigenous struggles for recognition have become more organised politically, the NGO sector has engaged in advocacy for recognition of indigenous peoples. This notion of ‘indigenous peoples’ is strongly contested by the Tanzanian state, resulting in formal non-recognition of the indigenous communities by the government. There have been numerous violations of indigenous peoples’ basic rights and fundamental freedoms. For their part, indigenous peoples have struggled to gain formal recognition and to enjoy their rights, whilst preserving their traditional ways of life. Applying Nancy Fraser’s framework for analysing persistent social injustices, two elements of her analysis are applied to the conflict between the state and indigenous peoples: recognition and redistribution. Drawing on fieldwork and secondary sources, this study found that, despite not being formally identified in national policies and in legislations, including in the National Constitution (1977, as amended from time to time), indigenous peoples do exist in Tanzania. Land is central to their conflicts with the state. The role of private investors is also explored through case studies including the ‘Loliondo case.’ Overall the study is intended to help inform policy makers about recognition as the basis for respecting diversity and overcoming historical marginalisation for indigenous communities in Tanzania.