ABSTRACT
In Sukumaland succession to the chieftainship was usually matrilineal, although exceptions existed as in the chiefdom of Bukumbi in Mwanza District and possibly in other littoral chiefdoms. When the people gave their chief the powers of final arbiter over all matters, there were no reservations and in effect he then acquired rights analogous to full control, if not ownership, of the lands of the community. During the rains water is free for all, but the village dry-season water supply, like the land, is usually controlled by the village headman who gives the word to have it cleaned or enlarged. From the point of view of land tenure as well as of general considerations of agriculture and land utilization, it is necessary to examine the structure of the village group. Though legal sale of the right to use land no longer exists, reserved grazing on fallow in central Sukumaland can be rented.
