Pluralism and Ethnic Conflict in Tanzania's Arid Lands: The Case of the Maasai and the WaArusha

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Pluralism and Ethnic Conflict in Tanzania's Arid Lands: The Case of the Maasai and the WaArusha
Author:	Ole Kuney, Reuben
Year:	1994
Periodical:	Nomadic Peoples
Issue:	34-35
Pages:	95-107
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Tanzania
Subjects:	ethnic relations Arusha Maasai pastoralists customary law land law land use agricultural land Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Ethnic and Race Relations Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/43124075
Abstract:	The Masai and the Arusha have coexisted in a kind of affinal bond relationship since before the 19th century, when the pastoral Masai moved southwards from Kenya to their present location in northern Tanzania. While the Masai are pastoralists, the Arusha are oriented more towards agricultural subsistence production. Land encroachment by the Arusha has been a source of Masai resentment and increasing conflict between the two groups. This paper uses the Masai/Arusha conflict as an example to focus on the question of land acquisition, the issue of ownership and the differential exploitation of resources. Concrete examples are given of how the legitimate power and authority of the Masai is being virtually eroded, with more land being taken away by the Arusha and other outsiders. Finally, the paper looks at the implications of the conflict and suggests possible intervention strategies. Bibliogr.