Local government leaders who fail to prevent livestock from straying into farming areas and triggering conflicts between farmers and pastoralists will face disciplinary and legal action, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, has warned.
Prof Shemdoe said village and ward leaders would be held accountable for failing to enforce laws and regulations governing livestock movements and land use, insisting that responsibility for preventing the disputes must begin at the grassroots level.
He issued the warning on November 12, 2026, in Nanyumbu District, Mtwara Region, while responding to Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who had sought clarification on measures being taken to address persistent conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.
“Mr Vice-President, as you directed, we will take action against all leaders who fail to enforce laws and regulations, resulting in conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. This will start with village chairpersons, village executive officers, ward executive officers and extend to leaders at higher levels,” Prof Shemdoe said.
The warning puts local government officials under pressure to strengthen enforcement of existing regulations and prevent disputes that disrupt farming activities and threaten peaceful coexistence in rural communities.
Prof Shemdoe also outlined government investments in education, roads and healthcare, highlighting their contribution to improving public services and creating economic opportunities in Nanyumbu.
He said the construction of Mkapa Girls Regional Science Secondary School in Mangaka, valued at TZS4 billion, had generated economic opportunities for residents, including through the establishment of shops selling school supplies.
The government had further allocated TZS560 million for the construction of another secondary school in Mangaka, he said.
On road infrastructure, Prof Shemdoe said the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) was constructing a one-kilometre tarmac road at Kambuti in Mangaka during the current financial year.
He added that TZS1 billion would be allocated in the next financial year for the construction of CCM Road.
In the health sector, he said the government had approved TZS500 million for the construction of an additional ward at Nanyumbu District Hospital in Mangaka during the current financial year.
He thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for supporting the construction of the hospital, saying the additional facility would strengthen its capacity to accommodate patients and improve healthcare delivery.
Meanwhile, Vice-President Ndejembi began his working visit to Mtwara Region on November 12 by inspecting and laying the foundation stone for the 28-town water supply project at the Ruvuma River source in Mangaka, Nanyumbu District.
During the visit, he was also expected to meet residents of Nanyumbu, Masasi, Tandahimba and Newala districts to discuss development projects and issues affecting their communities.