By our Reporter
Tanzania's Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, has brokered a settlement to a dispute between pastoralist communities and an investor operating at the West Kilimanjaro Livestock Ranch in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region, as the government seeks to reduce recurring land-use conflicts.
During a meeting with representatives of both sides on July 17, Ambassador Dr. Bashiru urged all parties to respect the rule of law and called on traditional Maasai leaders, known as Laigwanan, to strengthen moral guidance within their communities to help prevent criminal activities and future disputes.
"I cannot serve as a minister who only visits large commercial farms with high-producing cattle while small-scale pastoralists and their livestock continue to struggle. Both large and small livestock keepers are equal before the law," Dr. Bashiru said.
The minister said the government remains committed to ensuring that livestock development benefits both commercial investors and traditional pastoralist communities through dialogue and lawful conflict resolution.
Siha District Commissioner Christopher Timbuka welcomed the agreement, thanking the minister for facilitating the talks and pledging continued cooperation with traditional Maasai leaders to prevent similar disputes from recurring.
"Many of these conflicts stem from inadequate understanding of how disagreements should be resolved. As the district government, we will work closely with regional authorities to implement the guidance we have received," Timbuka said.
A representative of local youth, Emanuel Emanuel, said the discussions had reinforced the importance of resolving disputes through established traditional and government leadership structures.
The government said it has undertaken several measures to reduce tensions around the West Kilimanjaro ranch, including allocating 9,000 hectares of land for surrounding communities to support alternative livelihood activities and ease pressure on grazing areas.
The settlement forms part of broader government efforts to address land-use conflicts involving pastoralists, investors and local communities while promoting sustainable livestock production and social stability in northern Tanzania.
