Ms Exploring Sources of Land Governance Gaps in Informal Settlement Regularization Projects in Africa

Context and Background Tanzania has launched regularization projects which serve as essential instruments to manage informal settlements while improving urban land management systems. Multiple initiatives have been established to tackle these problems yet numerous projects continue to stay unfinished while missing their planned targets. The execution of successful implementation encounters barriers because governance systems maintain ongoing weaknesses which stem from limited public involvement and poor organizational connections and insufficient resources and limited openness. While past studies acknowledge these problems, limited attention has been given to examining how these governance gaps specifically emerge and operate in practice during project implementation. Goal and Objectives The main objective of this study is to analyse governance gaps affecting the implementation of informal settlement regularization projects in rapidly urbanising cities, using the Kilungule A Regularization Project in Kimara Ward, Dar es Salaam, as a case study. The study examines institutional, community, and resource-related challenges influencing project implementation.   Methodology A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving household surveys with 57 residents, key informant interviews with municipal and land ministry officials, focus group discussions with community leaders and residents, field observations, and review of relevant laws, policies, and planning reports. Data triangulation was applied to enhance validity and reliability.   Results The findings identified key governance gaps, including low community awareness, weak enforcement of land-use regulations, unclear institutional responsibilities, limited technical and financial capacity, and minimal involvement of local leaders. Inadequate land dispute resolution mechanisms and lack of transparency further undermine trust, accountability, and community participation in the regularization process.