Community Engagement and Resettlement Governance in Infrastructure-Induced Displacement: Evidence from Kurasini Port Expansion in Dar es Saam City, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Infrastructure development plays a major role in economic growth, urban improvement, and regional connectivity. However, large-scale projects often require land acquisition and displacement, creating social, economic, and livelihood challenges for affected communities. This study examined the policy implications of community engagement in development projects in Tanzania and assessed how community engagement facilitates social reintegration and livelihood restoration among displaced households in the Kurasini Port Expansion Project in Dar es Salaam. Guided by stakeholder theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected through household surveys involving 100 respondents, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that Tanzania’s resettlement governance framework remains fragmented, with no comprehensive national resettlement policy to guide community engagement and livelihood restoration. Most respondents indicated the absence of clear policies supporting the Chamazi resettlement programme. Non-Government Organizations and Community-Based Organizations, particularly the Center for Community Initiative and the Tanaganyika Urban Poor Federation, played a central role in livelihood recovery through savings schemes, skills training, housing support, and collective mobilization. The study recommends a comprehensive national resettlement policy integrating community engagement, livelihood restoration, coordination, and monitoring for sustainable development outcomes.

Keywords: Resettlement governance; Community engagement; Infrastructure development; Livelihood restoration; Community displacement; Tanzania.