MINISTRY of Culture, Arts and Sports is finalizing the guidelines to identify and acknowledge traditional chiefs in the community throughout the country, it has been revealed.

The major objective of the guideline is to officially identify them, the kinds of works they do within their communities so that they can be accorded all due respects within and outside their communities.

They also aim to empower chiefs and ensure they receive the respect they deserve while facilitating their role in upholding cultural practices and rights.

Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Dr Damas Ndumbaro made the revelation  at  State House in Chamwino on Saturday before President Samia Suluhu Hassan, stating that  preparations of the guidelines were at the final stages and that it would soon be presented to the Head of State.

Dr. Ndumbaro also highlighted that the cultural and arts sector has shown significant growth, with a 17.7 percent increase in economic contribution as reported by the Bank of Tanzania for 2023.

His statement came briefly before President Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed a gathering of chiefs from various regions of  at the State House.

During her speech, she highlighted the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders, sharing her personal experience with the issue and urging chiefs to find solutions within their communities.

The President detailed the struggles faced by farmers whose crops are often destroyed by roaming livestock.

She recounted a particularly distressing incident that occurred on her own farm in Dutumi, Morogoro Region. President Samia had invested all her savings into cultivating rice, only to have her crop destroyed by around 300 cattle.

“At first I thought I had overcome poverty with my thriving rice crop but within minutes, the entire crop field was eaten by the cattle leaving me  helpless.” she said

 Despite this setback, she attempted to replant half of the area, only for the cattle to invade and destroy the new crop as well.

According to the Head of State, when she sought justice, the herder denied responsibility, claiming that the cattle had only eaten grass.

This response, according to President Samia, highlighted the lack of accountability and respect for farmers’ hard work, noting that such dismissive attitudes towards someone who has invested their time and money are unacceptable,

President Samia called on chiefs to play an active role in resolving these conflicts and ensuring fairness. She urged leaders, government officials, non-governmental organizations, and religious leaders to condemn unethical practices and uphold Tanzanian values.

“As leaders  we should not be passive. If you see a district leader or any official failing to do their job, speak up. We need to hold people accountable to maintain integrity and effectiveness in our governance,” she emphasized.

The President also advised Tanzanians to follow proper procedures when moving from one area to another, such as obtaining and presenting relocation documents. This, she noted, helps in managing migration and prevents encroachments into unallocated lands and forests.