Pastoralism is the main and dominant livestock production system in Tanzania. This is
manifested by the number of people (livestock keepers) engaging in livestock keeping as well
as its contributions to the individual (micro-economy) and national income (macro-economy).
However, pastoralists are reported to be suffering through the loss of their lands due to the
imposition of inappropriate development policies which have led to reforms that favour
individual ownership and the acquisition of pastoral lands for non-pastoral purposes. Finding
sustainable methods for rangeland resources, which permit the movement of livestock and
variable use of scarce resources, has thus become a priority. This paper assesses the problem
of land tenure for pastoralists in Tanzania. The paper also documents the importance of
pastoralism as a way of life for millions of people in Tanzania. It looks into how the occupation
provides livelihoods to majority of Tanzanians, as well as its substantial contribution to the
National Gross Products (GNP). The findings from this study show that lack of understanding
and support for pastoralism has had adverse impacts on economic growth, social development,
environmental sustainability and human rights; pastoralists suffering disproportionately in
Tanzania, with many groups experiencing loss of land, declining living standards, increased
insecurity and poverty. In addition, it is argued that population increases, alienation of land,
restrictions on migratory movements and climate change with consequence of a decline in
rainfall coupled with lack of government recognition of pastoralism as one of the most important
occupation in the country, have all made traditional forms of pastoralism difficult to sustain.
There is a serious need to address the issue of land justice for all regardless of the livelihood.