Assessing the role of Digital Technology in Collaborative Land Use Conflict Resolution in rural areas: The Case of Fukayosi, Tanzania

Abstract

Land use conflict management in Tanzania has relied on top-down decision-making, sectoral planning, and customary systems, which often exclude local communities. Still, customary land tenure systems are common and inconsistent in rural areas, usually biased against marginalized groups, and lack formal legal recognition, further complicating conflict resolution efforts. Also, formal dispute resolution through courts is generally slow and inaccessible for many, leading to prolonged conflicts and diminishing trust in the system. The introduction of digital technology aims to increase community involvement, allowing marginalized voices to participate more fully in the process and improving early conflict detection and resolution through data-driven methods. This study explores the intersection of digital technology and collaborative land use conflict resolution, highlighting the digital infrastructure challenges, socio-cultural dynamics, and resource-based disputes exacerbating land use conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. By employing qualitative methods, including interviews, Focus Group Discussions, GIS, and participatory observation, the study uncovers the critical need for community-centered interventions. Findings reveal key drivers of conflict, including competition for scarce resources, inadequate land management, cultural differences, and exclusion of marginalized groups from decision-making processes. The study highlights significant gaps in digital infrastructure, including limited smartphone penetration, weak network coverage, and a continued reliance on manual record-keeping, which hinder effective conflict resolution. Further, the existing digital practices include young people who use technology creatively, women being excluded from its use, and pastoralists leveraging it to manage cattle-related activities. These diverse practices provide a foundation for a more "bottom-up" approach to integrating technology into conflict resolution, tailored to the unique needs and behaviors of various community members. The research emphasizes the importance of strengthening governance structures, building local capacity for digital literacy, and promoting alternative livelihoods to reduce resource dependency. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that leveraging low-technology solutions and fostering participatory approaches can mitigate land conflicts, bridge the digital divide, and support sustainable development in rural and peri-urban contexts like Umasaini sub-village. Recommendations include fostering inclusive planning, and integrating accessible digital tools, especially through youths who are quick in adopting technology, the use of feature-phone-compatible applications and GIS mapping, and transitioning to digital record-keeping to enhance transparency and efficiency.