Issue

Vol. 49 No. 4 (2024): Africa Development

8 - Diamond Mining Conflicts in Tanzania: Community Perspectives and Implications

https://doi.org/10.57054/ad.v49i4.2129
Rasel M. Madaha Madaha
Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Community Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania

Corresponding Author(s) : Rasel M. Madaha Madaha

raselmpuya@gmail.com

Africa Development, Vol. 49 No. 4 (2024): Africa Development

Abstract

Tanzania is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of its natural resources, including its mines. In the mid-1980s, the government shifted its role from being the owner of mining companies to being the regulator and facilitator of mining. Despite these reforms, Tanzanians remain among the world’s poorest people. Of particular importance are ongoing conflicts between privately owned mining companies and impoverished surrounding communities. Using Action Research (AR) methodology, this study explored community perspectives of mining-related conflicts in order to devise long-term solutions. The key findings highlight the potential of AR to achieve relative peace between mining company operations and the surrounding communities. In this case, an AR intervention conducted in 2017 (with subsequent follow up visits from 2018 to 2023) empowered affected communities to express their perspectives on ongoing conflicts, foster ties with local journalists, and create an inclusive framework for participatory decision-making. This paved the way for affected communities to receive compensation from mining companies. In conclusion, this AR study has facilitated transformative learning that enabled participating communities to develop a thorough understanding of the challenges they face, communicate their perspectives, and take appropriate action to improve their situation. This AR project was able to address challenges that had not been effectively addressed since the 1940s.

Keywords

Extractive industry diamond mining conflict resolution empowerment Tanzania
[1]
Madaha, R.M.M. 2026. 8 - Diamond Mining Conflicts in Tanzania: Community Perspectives and Implications. Africa Development. 49, 4 (Jan. 2026). DOI:https://doi.org/10.57054/ad.v49i4.2129.
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