Governance challenges of regularisation of informal settlements in peri-urban Tanzania: perspectives from local stakeholders

ABSTRACT

The regularisation of informal settlements has become a common initiative for addressing urban development and growth in many cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, its governance is still complex and unexplored. This study thus aims to examine and understand the governance challenges of regularising informal settlements in peri-urban Tanzania. A case study design with a combination of discussions from two participatory workshops and document analysis was used to collect empirical and theoretical data. Findings show that the regularisation of informal settlements is challenged by existing structural governance operations driven by stakeholders, particularly community leaders and planning and surveying firms. Consequently, regularisation processes are delayed or halted, which demoralises the landholders. To ensure effective and efficient governance structures for regularisation activities, it is essential that responsible actors diligently play their roles as mandated in the policy and legal documents. Accountability and transparency should be reinforced in the operation and implementation of regularisation schemes to ensure adherence to guiding policies and laws.

KEYWORDS:

• Governance structure
• peri-urban
• development
• settlement
• Tanzania

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Said Nuhu

Said Nuhu is currently a Research Fellow at the Institute of Human Settlements Studies (Ardhi University). His professional interest is in land governance, public health, gender, environment and globalisation. He has completed a PhD in Urban Governance and Environmental Studies and PhD in Urban Planning. He has a Master of Arts Degree in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Environmental Studies. He has published several journal articles in the field of; land governance, urban development, public health, environment and community participation. He has also engaged in different projects related to urban planning, land management, food security, natural resources, public health and the environment.