Effects of family decision structures on land formalisation in Kasulu, Tanzania

Context and background Land Tenure Formalization (LTF) programs have been recognized as a tool for enhancing the socio-economic status (SES) of rural landholders. LTF may enhance SES by strengthening land tenure security, improving the land market, and promoting equality in access to land. Despite the mentioned benefits of the LTF program, empirical evidence on the SES of rural landholders provides counterevidence. A variety of factors, including the customary legacy effect, Family Decision Structure (FDS), poverty, land-related taxes, demographic status (age, gender, illiteracy rate), and fear of the unknown, have been identified as barriers to LTF in enhancing the SES of rural landholders. FDS may be a relevant factor that triggers LTF liabilities far beyond the LTF benefits in Tanzania, mainly because most societies in the country are patrilineal, with men serving as heads of household. However, there is little information on the extent to which FDS may influence LTF benefits in terms of landholders' SES. It is therefore on this basis that this study aims to evaluate the link between the LTF program and the SES of rural landholders in an environment where the family decision-making structure favoured the male gender. Goal and Objectives: Despite the benefits associated with the LTF program, empirical evidence on its effects on the Socio-economic Status (SES) of rural landholders provides counter-post-formalisation evidence, particularly the role of independent and dependent Family Decision Structures (FDSs). This study evaluates the effect of FDS on the relationship between land tenure formalization and socio-economic status. Methodology: In this study, both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were adopted, and the data collection tools employed were questionnaires, FDG, and face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, cross-tabulation, and a linear regression model, and the results were presented in tables, figures, and graphs. Results: The results suggest that, although the Family Decision Structures (FDSs) among households with high Household Economic Status (HES) are more cooperative than those with low HES, their LTF decisions are hardly in favour of acquiring a Land Title Document (LTD). To the contrary, the low HES, with cooperative FDS, tend to be more positive about LTD acquisition, with the potential for reduced LTCs. This finding implies that cooperative FDS not only enhances the likelihood that low-status households participate in LTF programmes but also provides a means to bridge the LTD acquisition gap between the two types of decision-makers, thereby contributing to equity in land ownership.