There are about four million peasant families in Tanzania. They farm on the smallest scale, the average farm being two acres in size. The principal agricultural equipment is the hand hoe. Since the onset of the colonial era, those in authority have pursued policies to dominate the peasantry. It is argued that the small scale of operations has contributed to the widespread poverty among farmers. There is still good agricultural land that is not farmed, but the current land tenure of peasants reproduces itself on new farmland. The conclusion is that in order to accelerate agricultural development, land tenure must be institutionalized.

Tanzania under Ujanaa was studied in considerable detail, and such research provides a useful starting point for the examination of subsequent developments. Major changes have occurred in response to global political developments and the impact of international organizations in Tanzania, creating a demand for the information this book provides, namely, material for teaching, research and planning. Key areas covered include credit, land reform, agricultural extension, environmental issues and social issues such as population, migration and social control.