This paper examines the intrinsic relationship between the Western model of nature conservation and the forced removal of pastoralists, the Maasai, in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The...Show moreThis paper examines the intrinsic relationship between the Western model of nature conservation and the forced removal of pastoralists, the Maasai, in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The historical background contextualises the origins of so-called fortress conservation in the colonial period and the establishment of protected areas. The research takes a political ecology approach to establish a connection between nature conservation activities of international actors, national policymaking in conservation areas and the impact on the Maasai’s livelihood. The case of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area illustrates the enhancement of securitised nature conservation concerning biodiversity protection of ecosystems. However, this approach excludes indigenous peoples from the discourse of ecosystem protection and is inherently neo-colonial. For a better understanding, it argues for the equal inclusion of indigenous peoples in nature conservation efforts.Show less
This thesis will provide an analysis about the socio-economic development in Tanzania and its effectiveness since Tanzania's independence. The research is multidisciplinary by looking at history,...Show moreThis thesis will provide an analysis about the socio-economic development in Tanzania and its effectiveness since Tanzania's independence. The research is multidisciplinary by looking at history, economics, politics, and social aspects to analyse the way Tanzania is developing. The research found that especially social development projects are the main driver of development in Tanzania, whereas economic investments are often less to not effective for development.Show less
This thesis addresses the complexities in China-Africa Relations. It specifically looks at how processes of knowledge production and network-building shape China-Africa relations. This is done by...Show moreThis thesis addresses the complexities in China-Africa Relations. It specifically looks at how processes of knowledge production and network-building shape China-Africa relations. This is done by testing two formulated hypothesis in two case-studies: the first focuses on the institutional FOCAC framework, the second looks at Sino-Tanzania relations in the realm of knowledge (infra)structure. As a theoretical framework social constructivism is employed, which is further refined by the Actor Network Theory. The case studies reveal that (1) the space in which processes of knowledge production and networking-building take place within China-Africa relations is socially constructed and highly dynamic; and (2) that actors and agency thereby often overrule structure which makes dualistic concepts of soft and hard development difficult labels to apply.Show less
In this thesis the question is posed to what extent White Father missionaries can be seen as a medium of technology. To answer this question, the White Father Johannes Brouwer (1915-1988) is used...Show moreIn this thesis the question is posed to what extent White Father missionaries can be seen as a medium of technology. To answer this question, the White Father Johannes Brouwer (1915-1988) is used as the topic of research. Brouwer wrote extensive diaries during his stay in Tanzania (1963-1980s), and additionally there has been a very extensive interview conducted with father Brouwer in 1982. As it turned out, the White Fathers did indeed have an impact on the independence of Tanzania, albeit indirectly. This impact has been most clearly defined through the so called seminars with the local population. As such it can indeed be argued that the missionaries in Tanzania were in fact mediums of technology.Show less
This thesis examines how the socio-cultural environment in Tanzania constrains female entrepreneurs from growing their business. Sylvia Walby's (1990) definition of patriarchy is used to analyse...Show moreThis thesis examines how the socio-cultural environment in Tanzania constrains female entrepreneurs from growing their business. Sylvia Walby's (1990) definition of patriarchy is used to analyse the various ways in which the socio-cultural environment influences the opportunities and success of female entrepreneurs.Show less
This thesis discusses the conservation efforts in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem, with a specific focus on community-based conservation (CBC). In the theoretical framework, three main conservation...Show moreThis thesis discusses the conservation efforts in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem, with a specific focus on community-based conservation (CBC). In the theoretical framework, three main conservation discourses are discussed in order to provide a better focus. The second chapter provides a historical and political background, before exploring the two specific case studies of Burunge and Makame Wildlife Management Areas.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
closed access
Achieving universal primary education is both promoted as a global development goal and as a priority for the Tanzanian government. To reach this goal, the government is committed to making primary...Show moreAchieving universal primary education is both promoted as a global development goal and as a priority for the Tanzanian government. To reach this goal, the government is committed to making primary education accessible for as many children as possible by making it both compulsory and free of charge. Nevertheless, there is still a problem with absenteeism in Tanzania. This ethnographic research explores the range of factors and reasons, besides tuition fees, that influence children's absenteeism through a case study of three primary schools in rural northern Tanzania. It analysesthe collaboration between these three schools and the Dutch-Tanzanian NGO Kamitei Foundation in addressing this issue. Based on interviews with teachers, parents, and pupils themselves, the main argument of this thesis is that the different roles that children have within rural households have consequences for their level of attendance. These household activities differ according to gender, and to the extent of how indispensable the children are within their household. Moreover, I found that differences in classroom pedagogy and in schools' policies of dealing with absenteeism also influenced the rate of absenteeism among pupils. Based on my findings, I argue that punishment or ignorance by the teachers as a response to not being present at school is one of the main factors that makes absence recurring, which makes it hard to reduce it. The Kamitei Foundation and the schools try to reach a consensus on this issue by working together to offer good quality education, even though it can be hard to reach the same level of understanding.Show less
Research master thesis | African Studies (research) (MA)
under embargo until 2030-09-01
2030-09-01T00:00:00Z
The Mafia archipelago in Tanzania has been internationally and nationally recognised as an area with an immense amount of biodiversity. The creation of the first marine park in Tanzania, Mafia...Show moreThe Mafia archipelago in Tanzania has been internationally and nationally recognised as an area with an immense amount of biodiversity. The creation of the first marine park in Tanzania, Mafia Island Marine Park, reflects this recognition. However, little has been researched about how the protection of this biodiversity affects the main economic industry in the archipelago, the fishing industry. This thesis adds to our understanding about fishing in Mafia by examining the influence of government policies, WWF programs and marine conservation on the formation of fishermen identity within Mafia. It is based on three arguments. Firstly, identity is formed through the interactions that an individual has with other members of their community. Secondly, this thesis treats fishermen as an identity group and argues that the economic activities of a person provides insight into their identity. Thirdly, due to the importance of the environment and the reiteration of this importance by the majority of interviewees, the ocean, marine animals, wind and moon are treated as one interconnected entity. This entity is referred to as the environment within this thesis, which examines, in an exploratory manner, the communication between the environment and fishermen. In order to create an effective and accurate analysis of fishing in Mafia, this thesis is built upon an interdisciplinary approach. To academia this thesis provides a unique analysis of identity formation as it examines how both human and non-human entities shape identity formation. Furthermore, this thesis includes indigenous knowledge claims and treats the perceptions of the fishermen with high regard. At a societal level, this thesis aims to provide a platform for the voices of the fishermen and people in Mafia who feel marginalised from Tanzania and neglected by the Tanzanian government.Show less
This thesis is about the possessive constructions in Kiroba, which is a Bantu language spoken in the Mara region in Tanzania. The attributive possessive constructions consists of the associative...Show moreThis thesis is about the possessive constructions in Kiroba, which is a Bantu language spoken in the Mara region in Tanzania. The attributive possessive constructions consists of the associative and/or the possessive pronouns. The associative forms are made by the associative stem -a and the pronominal prefixes. Possessive pronouns consists of a prefix which agrees with the possessed noun and a stem which refers to the possessor. I divided the possessive pronouns into two groups: the personal possessive pronouns and the nonpersonal possessive pronouns. I made this division because in many Bantu languages the paradigms of possessive pronouns is reduced to only the personal possessive pronouns. The predicative possessive construction consist of the possessor noun, the copula verb, the word na ‘with’, and the possessed noun. The most remarkable and uncommon feature of the possessive constructions in Kiroba is that Kiroba has the whole paradigm of possessive pronouns: the personal and nonpersonal possessive pronouns.Show less
Research master thesis | African Studies (research) (MA)
open access
Foreign land acquisitions in sub-Saharan Africa have increased since the global financial crisis of 2007/2008. Foreign governments purchased land to secure their own food sustainability, while new...Show moreForeign land acquisitions in sub-Saharan Africa have increased since the global financial crisis of 2007/2008. Foreign governments purchased land to secure their own food sustainability, while new climate mitigation policies drafted by the EU encouraged foreign companies to invest in biofuel in the developing countries of the world. Tanzania in particular has experienced an increase in FDIs in agriculture in the last 10 years because of its fertile land abundance and cheap labour available. The recent land acquisitions for agricultural purposes in Tanzania have been labelled as land grabs by the academia and prominent international organizations. Human rights violations and broken promises by foreign investors casted a shadow on FDIs in agriculture in Tanzania, which contributed to overlook the potential benefits that they could bring about. This research takes distance from the land grabbing debate and refers to the concept elaborated by Kaag and Zoomers, that land grabbing has been hyped and this prevented an analysis of the land acquisitions in agriculture in Tanzania free from constraints. The results of a six-months fieldwork in the country proved that foreign investors acting according to the law and prone to endorse social responsibilities, were successful in establish business models able to benefit the local context, as a matter of fact proving the potential of FDIs in agriculture in developing countries. Interests at stake are plenty and different, which makes it difficult to evaluate who gains more and who gains less, this is why recommendations on the basis of the cases studied are made in order to create a more inclusive environment. Since the topic is broad and multifaceted, I adopted a multidisciplinary approach which stretches from history to geography, from politics to law and from economics to agricultural science.Show less
The purpose of this thesis is to understand the link between nationalism and political stability through the comparison of nation-building projects in Tanzania and Kenya. This will be done through...Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to understand the link between nationalism and political stability through the comparison of nation-building projects in Tanzania and Kenya. This will be done through the analysis of the political speeches and policies of Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta as the first presidents of Tanzania and Kenya respectively. The public perception of these leaders and their nation-building projects will also be discussed. It is the conclusion of this thesis that Julius Nyerere used both rhetoric and policy to create a unified Tanzanian identity based on core values which led to political stability throughout his administration and beyond. Meanwhile, Jomo Kenyatta failed to create a unified Kenyan identity through policies and rhetoric that divided the country along ethnic lines. These divisions have caused political instability in Kenya both during and following Kenyatta’s presidency. Ultimately, the creation of a unified national identity played a key role in stability in Tanzania and the lack of unity played a key role in instability in Kenya.Show less
Tingatinga has been categorized as ‘tourist art’ for decades, however so far there has been little attention on the actual influence of the tourist group on Tingatinga. By using the theory of...Show moreTingatinga has been categorized as ‘tourist art’ for decades, however so far there has been little attention on the actual influence of the tourist group on Tingatinga. By using the theory of dialogism, this research looks into the interactions between the producers and clients of Tingatinga, and summarizes its development as tourist art as a cycle of souvenirization, mass-production and customization.Show less
During the 2016 annual Zanzibar Revolution celebrations, CCM supporters demonstrated using a statement that depicted ‘anti-foreigner’ sentiments towards their fellow countrymen. By looking at the...Show moreDuring the 2016 annual Zanzibar Revolution celebrations, CCM supporters demonstrated using a statement that depicted ‘anti-foreigner’ sentiments towards their fellow countrymen. By looking at the Tanzanian African nationalist discourse and history, this research paper analyses how this ‘anti-foreigner’ rhetoric demonstrated in 2016, can find its origins in the African nationalist independence movement of Tanzania. In conjunction with Tanzanian history and politics, African nationalist literature obtained from secondary sources are used to examine and understand African nationalist motivations and discourse. These motivations, ideas and discourse are then used to contextualise the 2016 demonstration’s anti-foreigner rhetoric. This research paper finds that the language, ideas, and even the day of the demonstration emphasis the African nationalist independence movement of Tanzanian but more specifically of Zanzibar.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Afrikaanse talen en culturen (BA)
closed access
In Afrika bestaat geschreven literatuur nog niet heel lang1. De meeste verhalen werden oraal overgedragen. Je kan je voorstellen hoe ouders hun kinderen verhalen voor het slapengaan vertelden...Show moreIn Afrika bestaat geschreven literatuur nog niet heel lang1. De meeste verhalen werden oraal overgedragen. Je kan je voorstellen hoe ouders hun kinderen verhalen voor het slapengaan vertelden waarin allerlei normen en waarden zijn verwerkt. Ikzelf kreeg onder andere de verhalen van Vrouw Holle en De Mooiste Vis Van De Zee te horen. Hierdoor werd me verteld dat goedheid een waardevolle eigenschap is, en dat vrienden belangrijker zijn dan schoonheid. Deze sprookjes zijn natuurlijk bedoeld om normen en waarden bij te brengen, maar dit soort verhalen reflecteren natuurlijk ook de maatschappij waarin ze worden verteld. Het is niet alleen maar vermaak. Volgens Finnegan zijn ze ook wetenschappelijke aandacht waardig en helpen ze bij het begrijpen van culturen (1970: 25-47).Show less
Diving into the history of the character and spread of Kiswahili, I examine how power structures in society have influenced the character and spread of Kiswahili in Tanzania. I focus on the early...Show moreDiving into the history of the character and spread of Kiswahili, I examine how power structures in society have influenced the character and spread of Kiswahili in Tanzania. I focus on the early independence period because Kiswahili was nationalised during this period and because the manner in which this was done and legitimised remains underresearched. Using the Gramscian concept hegemony as the success of the ruling class to construct a worldview that is accepted throughout society which naturalizes power relationships between different social groups, I argue that the ideology through which Kiswahili was nationalised in Tanzania shaped the discourse on Kiswahili in a way that naturalizes the power structures in society, thereby implicitly justifying the choice of Kiswahili as the national language. Upon independence, TANU formed the state and shaped the nation. They were the new ruling class and as such tried to establish hegemony. Analysing Ujamaa ideology and the discourse on Kiswahili, I explain how this discourse subverted the issue of ethnic languages and power relations in Tanzania. The mythical elements of these discourses are deconstructed by juxtaposing them with historical realities. By debunking the ideological assumptions on which knowledge about Kiswahili was produced, I simultaneously call into question the epistemological value of research published in the journal Kiswahili.Show less
High prevalence of HIV, teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortions are challenges faced by many countries in the Global South. Research shows that much of the health problems that arise are due to a...Show moreHigh prevalence of HIV, teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortions are challenges faced by many countries in the Global South. Research shows that much of the health problems that arise are due to a lack of general basic understanding on reproductive biology. However engaging in open discussions on sexual and reproductive health is not always fruitful due to social and cultural barriers. Using the theory of empowerment, the thesis looks into the relation between ICT, youth and public health in Mara region, Tanzania. Research findings point to a growing usage of ICT within the region, however mostly limited to radio and mobile phones. Efforts in Tanzania to improve information access on public health are visible, although they are more often than not handled as individual cases rather than collective attempts to work towards a long-term goal. A strong centralised system that allocates sufficient funds and resources for further developing sexual and reproductive health matters is therefore required along with research to assess the effectiveness of the changes implemented.Show less
This thesis is in fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of the International Studies Bachelor Program. First, the aim of this thesis is to ascertain the perceived effectiveness of the...Show moreThis thesis is in fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of the International Studies Bachelor Program. First, the aim of this thesis is to ascertain the perceived effectiveness of the 2015 Tanzanian Witchdoctor Ban as a countermeasure to the violence being perpetrated against people with albinism from the standpoint of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Tanzanian Government, and various NGOs actively engaged in the welfare of people with albinism in the region. The second chapter illustrates the state of the art of the literature concerning the Tanzanian societal witchcraft paradigm, status of PWA in traditional culture, occult-legislation, and indicators of legislative efficacy. The third chapter explains the multi-indicator document analysis conducted to determine each actor’s perception of the ban’s efficacy. The fourth chapter relays the results of the analysis, where it was determined that the United Nations Human Rights Council held a neutral perception of the effectiveness of the Witchdoctor Ban, the Tanzanian Government held a positive perception, and the various NGOs held a negative perception. This thesis henceforth concludes with a critical examination of the results and methodology, and a conclusory statement that further research into efficacy indicators and occult-legislation as an institutional countermeasure towards the violence against people with albinism can be facilitated by the foundation built through this research and its accompanied findings.Show less
