Tanzania embarks on nationwide exercise to survey, verify boundaries of its 226 villages

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government has announced plans to verify, update and survey the boundaries of 226 villages during the 2026/27 financial year as part of wider efforts to strengthen land administration and reduce land-related conflicts in rural areas.

Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr Leonard Akwilapo said the exercise is aimed at improving the management of administrative boundaries while ensuring clarity over village land ownership and usage.

Dr Akwilapo made the remarks on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Parliament in Dodoma while presenting his ministry’s revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2026/27 financial year

He said the government continues to prioritize proper land planning and surveying to address long-standing disputes that have affected communities in different parts of the country.

According to the minister, by May 15, 2026, a total of 189 villages had already been surveyed, while boundaries for 54 villages had been verified and updated.

He added that out of the country’s 12,333 villages, a total of 11,996 have already been surveyed, marking significant progress in strengthening recognition of legal village boundaries nationwide.

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Dr Akwilapo noted that the initiative is expected to improve certainty in land ownership, support orderly settlement planning, and minimize unnecessary disputes among residents, investors, and local authorities.

He further stressed the importance of village governments respecting citizens’ land rights and ensuring fairness in land allocation and usage to avoid avoidable conflicts.

The minister said continued surveying and updating of village boundaries would also support government efforts to improve land management systems and enhance sustainable development in rural communities.