Iringa Dipping Scheme in Mufindi 1940s -1958; ‘Development’ Resisted by Peasants

Abstract

This paper discussed the history of Iringa Dipping Scheme in Mufindi during the British colonial administration in the post Second World War period. Different schemes were introduced in Tanganyika. Among them were Sukumaland Development Scheme 1947, Uluguru Land Usage Scheme 1949, the Mbulu Development Scheme 1949 and Iringa Dipping Scheme 1951 to mention just a few. Most of these schemes were established with the main concern of land improvement and soil conservation which apparently was the result of colonial policies of overexploitation of resources. The colonial government claimed that Iringa dipping scheme was introduced to prevent cattle against tick borne diseases but the implementation was associated with compulsory state repression. Forceful implementation of the dipping scheme in Mufindi prompted peasant resentment to the scheme. However, the findings of this paper revealed that the establishment and development of Iringa Dipping Scheme was a response towards the economic crisis which was manifesting in the growing demands of beef and other raw materials in Britain and Tanganyika in the meat and related industries. The intensification of peasant resentment to the exploitative scheme through fees which they were forced to pay and the bother entailed in bringing their cattle to the dips. Peasant’s resistance and resentment culminated into the collapse of the dipping scheme of Mufindi in 1958. Should be grasped within the context of peasant struggle against exploitative system which was developed in post-war period. This paper employed historical research design utilizing qualitative approach. Primary and secondary sources were integrated together. Archival data were generated from Tanzania National Archives, University of Dar es Salaam, Sokoine University of Agriculture and Mufindi District. Oral histories were generated from the indigenous people to corroborate the archival data. Political economy theory was used to inform the study.