ABSTRACT
Land formalization has increasingly been recognized as among the strategies for fostering land tenure security. The chapter generally assesses the extent to which customary land tenure has been integrated into the statutory system. Specifically, it evaluates the extent to which customary land ownership has been integrated into statutory systems. It examines the extent to which this integration empowers village governments to plan and administer village land. The chapter further assesses the ways in which the integration reduces land disputes and improves information management. Data were collected in Babati and Iringa districts through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The chapter shows that integration occurs through recognized use of customary procedures of land allocation, conflict settlements, ownership, and use according to the Land Act 1999 and the policy of 1995. It also shows that although village governments are involved in formalization, the central government still has the supreme power in planning. Moreover, platforms for conflict settlements have been legalized, although they have not contributed to smart land governance. Technology is still old, and procedures are not accurate and are characterized by personal information errors. To achieve smart land management, improvements in formalization needs to encompass smart procedures, smart people, smart technology, and laws.
