Equal Access to Land Ownership Between Men and Women in Tanzania: Does the Legal System Matter?
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Date
2023-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASS)
Abstract
This paper examines how people perceive the legal system on equal access to
land ownership in Tanzania. Cross-sectional data from an Afro barometer survey,
round seven (7) with 2,400 observations were analysed to find the effect of how
people perceive the legal system on equal access to land ownership in Tanzania
by using a Probit regression analysis. The outcome of the study shows that, when
courts make a binding decision, people are more likely to agree that women have
equal land rights (𝑝 = 0.037), obeying the law positively influences women to
have equal rights to land (𝑝 = 0.003). In terms of the effects of empowering
women on equal right to land, it was found that when men and women have equal
chances of earning income, this positively influences the likelihood of women to
have equal right to land. The study further found that there is a gender disparity
in matters related to land ownership as men do not believe that women have equal
land rights. The findings imply that the efforts which are geared towards
strengthening the rule of law and legal compliances could help to promote gender
equality by emphasizing respect for women’s land rights. Measures taken to
increase awareness, change of attitude and understanding of the rule of law when
effectively implemented would lead to advancing gender equality and women’s
land rights. Efforts which promote and protect women’s land rights will result in
advancing gender equality and women's economic empowerment. An effective
legal system is crucial in promoting and protecting women’s land rights. Gender
equality in society’s economic opportunities can have a positive effect on
women’s land ownership rights and lastly addressing gender disparities in land
ownership promotes women’s land rights. Among other recommendations, the
study recommends that the Government, Civil Societies and Non-Governmental
Organizations should cooperate in enhancing more legal reforms in Tanzania in
strengthening laws and policies which protect women’s right to own and inherit
land. The Government should take the lead in enforcing and publicizing the laws
which help to raise awareness of women’s right to land ownership in the
communities. Men and boys should also be educated on the benefits of gender
equality and the negative impacts of gender discrimination.
Description
Keywords
Probit Regression, Land Ownership, Legal System, Land Tenure, Women