Ujamaa Policy and Open Access in Pangani River Basin and Rufiji Floodplain, Tanzania

Abstract

"The Rufiji Floodplain and the Pangani River Basin of Same district in Tanzania are two river floodplains with ecologically varied settings and economies. They share, however, the common political experience of Ujamaa after independence, which opened up Common Pool Resources (CPR) for all Tanzanians.

"The Rufiji Floodplain is home to the largest river in Tanzania and has been a remote area, where CPRs such as fish, wildlife and other resources have been used by different ethno-professional groups collectively called Rufiji. Membership to fishing, hunting, agricultural and gathering groups defined resource areas and access to CPRs according to flooding seasons. Within these groups, local leaders (Mpindo) set up rules and had religious specialists to co-ordinate collective use of CPR, monitoring and sanctioning. Wild animal attack (crocodiles, lions) was viewed as a clear sign of having violated rules. The Pangani River Basin of Same District is not only a floodplain setting."