Gender Equality in Ownership of Agricultural Land in Rural Tanzania: Does Matrilineal Tenure System Matter? | Land Portal

Información del recurso

Date of publication: 
Septiembre 2020
Resource Language: 
ISBN / Resource ID: 
AJLPGS:21356
Pages: 
15
Copyright details: 
Copyright (c) 2020 African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences

Gender gap in ownership of agricultural land is still wide in many developing countries, mainly in favour of men. In some of these countries, both patrilineal and matrilineal systems are practised and recognized by governments. Tanzania is one of the countries in which both systems are practised. This paper explores the extent of gender equality in ownership of agricultural land in Kisarawe and Mkuranga districts which are typical rural agricultural settings and mainly matrilineal societies in Tanzania. It also attempts to examine women’s benefits from agricultural activities. Respondents were randomly selected from village registers of the six villages studied. The findings contradict the conventional narratives of gender inequality that women are discriminated in land ownership. Despite insignificant percentage of societies which embrace matrilineal system in Tanzania, to a large extent the system seems to support women in owning land in those societies. However, a few elements of gender discrimination were noted especially for widows and divorced women. The findings make a case for more intervention in ensuring statutory and customary land tenure practices are complimentary in enhancing gender equality in accessing land especially in rural areas. 

Autores y editores

Author(s), editor(s), contributor(s): 

Kongela, Sophia Marcian
SIDA- Ardhi University (ARU) Research Cooperation Programme

Publisher(s): 

African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences is a journal specialized in publishing research activities carried out in the field of geo-spatial sciences and land governance. It aims to encourage innovation, promote the exchange of knowledge and scientific outcomes related to its themes. The journal's target community is made-up of researchers, professors and professionals working in the newspaper field. The journal also aims to promote scientific articles and productions at the African, regional and global levels.

Proveedor de datos

African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences is a journal specialized in publishing research activities carried out in the field of geo-spatial sciences and land governance. It aims to encourage innovation, promote the exchange of knowledge and scientific outcomes related to its themes. The journal's target community is made-up of researchers, professors and professionals working in the newspaper field. The journal also aims to promote scientific articles and productions at the African, regional and global levels.

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