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Empowering Communities Through Land Rights: CARE Tanzania Distributes 105 CCROs in Mufindi District

VSLA group members from Luhunga and Mkonge holding their Certificates of Customary Rights of Occupancy in Mufindi. Photo: Edward Charles | CARE Tanzania

VSLA group members from Luhunga and Mkonge holding their Certificates of Customary Rights of Occupancy in Mufindi. Photo: Edward Charles | CARE Tanzania

By Edward Charles November 15, 2024

On November 12, 2024, CARE Tanzania collaborating with Mufindi District Council, through the Her Money, Her Life project, marked a significant milestone in empowering communities by facilitating the distribution of Certificates of Customary Rights of Occupancy (CCROs) to 105 participants in the villages of Luhanga and Mkonge in Mufindi District.

This process is a critical step toward enhancing economic stability and gender equality by securing land ownership, especially for women. Among the 105 CCROs distributed, 75 (71.4%) are owned by women, including 30 jointly owned by both wife and husband, highlighting the project’s focus on empowering women through legal land ownership.

Celebrating Success

The event featured the District Executive Director, Hon. Mashaka Mfaume, as the guest of honor. In his remarks, he commended CARE Tanzania for their impactful work, stating:

“I extend my sincere gratitude to CARE Tanzania for partnering with the Mufindi District Council to provide education and formalize ownership of 105 plots of land, of which 75 plots, representing 71.4%, have benefited women. With these titles, community members now have secure land ownership, and they can use them as collateral with financial institutions, including banks, to obtain loans to expand their economic activities.”

Hon. Mashaka Mfaume handing over the Certificate of Customary Rights of Occupancy to one the VSLA group members. Photo: Edward Charles | CARE Tanzania

From Awareness to Ownership

Through the Her Money, Her Life project, CARE Tanzania supported the Mufindi District Council in surveying and preparing CCROs for members of Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups established by CARE. A total of 111 plots were verified and surveyed, resulting in the preparation and registration of 105 CCROs, now empowering beneficiaries with secure land tenure.

A Day of Celebration and Awareness

The event included a vibrant exhibition of products from VSLA groups, showcasing their entrepreneurial efforts. Additionally, a community play powerfully depicted the journey to land ownership—from raising awareness about women’s rights to securing collaboration with government authorities. This inspiring performance emphasized the importance of land ownership in fostering economic empowerment and social resilience.

The event concluded with a symbolic gesture of gratitude, as VSLA groups presented the guest of honor with well-packaged products and a live chicken, representing the appreciation of the community for CARE Tanzania’s life-changing initiatives.

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CCROs Distribution Day

Traditional dance from the community

Transforming Lives, Building Futures

This process underscores CARE Tanzania’s commitment to empowering women and families through sustainable land rights and economic inclusion. By fostering secure land tenure and providing access to resources, Her Money, Her Life continues to pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for communities in Tanzania.

Rosetha (Left) and Fares (Right) holding their joint Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy. Photo: Edward Charles | CARE Tanzania