Tanzania Accelerates Land Use Planning for Over 300 Strategic Villages Nationwide

Lushoto:

The National Land Use Planning Commission (NLUPC) has launched an ambitious initiative to develop Village Land Use Plans (VLUPs) for 333 villages across 14 regions in Tanzania. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with 21 district councils under the coordination of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development .

The exercise aims to enhance land governance, promote sustainable development, and support communities hosting major national infrastructure projects. It also targets areas historically affected by land use conflicts, particularly those bordering conservation zones, international borders, and key energy corridors.

Claudius Masanyika, Head of Public Relations and Information at NLUPC, explained that the initiative supports government efforts to align land use with national development priorities.

“This programme focuses on strategic areas where proper land planning is essential—not only for economic growth but also for environmental sustainability and social stability,” Masanyika said during a recent interview in Tanga Region.

He noted that priority is being given to villages along critical infrastructure routes such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) , the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) , and catchment areas for the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project (JNHPP) . Additionally, it covers communities near the natural gas pipeline corridor , border regions, and districts previously involved in land disputes with protected ecosystems.

Phased Implementation Across the Country

The project is being rolled out in three phases :

• Phase One : Seven districts have already begun the process: Manyoni (Singida), Mtwara DC (Mtwara), Kilindi (Tanga), Mpimbwe (Katavi), Korogwe (Tanga), Ukerewe (Mwanza), and Ushetu (Shinyanga).
• Phase Two : Expanded to include Tandahimba (Mtwara), Igunga (Tabora), Bukombe (Geita), Sikonge (Tabora), Mpwapwa (Dodoma), Magu (Mwanza), and Ikungi (Singida).
• Phase Three : Will cover Masasi (Mtwara), Kishapu (Shinyanga), Sengerema (Mwanza), Kalambo (Rukwa), Ruangwa (Lindi), Iramba (Singida), and Lushoto (Tanga).

The government has set a deadline of June 30, 2025 , to complete all 333 village plans—a directive stemming from a parliamentary resolution mandating timely implementation. The initiative is supported by development partners and overseen by the Ministry of Lands.

Community Empowerment Through Knowledge

Local communities are already seeing benefits through capacity-building activities embedded in the planning process. Hassan Ramadhani Ngoda, Chairman of Kifulio Village in Malo Ward, Lushoto District, praised the training provided to residents.

“We are very grateful to the NLUPC for equipping us with knowledge about land use planning. This has empowered our community to manage our land resources more effectively and sustainably,” he said.

Strengthening Tenure Security and Reducing Conflicts

Beyond documentation, the VLUP programme is expected to significantly improve land tenure security , enhance resource management , and reduce land-related conflicts —especially in ecologically sensitive and development-intensive zones.