Examination of the Legal and Institutional Challenges in Preventing Double Allocation of Land in Tanzania: A Case of Dodoma Municipal Council

Double allocation of land remains a significant legal and institutional challenge in Tanzania, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas such as Dodoma Municipal Council. The practice occurs where the same parcel of land is allocated, transferred or otherwise recognised in favour of more than one person, creating competing land claims, insecurity of tenure and prolonged disputes. This study examined the legal and institutional challenges in preventing double allocation of land in Tanzania, with particular focus on Dodoma Municipal Council. The study adopted a purely doctrinal legal research methodology, relying on primary legal materials including legislation, regulations and judicial decisions, together with secondary materials such as books, journal articles, government reports and other relevant legal literature. The study specifically examined the adequacy of the legal framework governing the prevention of double allocation, assessed the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms responsible for land planning, allocation, surveying and registration, and identified legal and institutional gaps contributing to the problem. The study found that although Tanzania has established a substantial legal framework governing land allocation, registration and administration, weaknesses remain in the coordination of land institutions, verification of existing land rights, management of land records, control of re-allocation and regulation of private actors involved in land transactions. Judicial decisions further demonstrate that courts continue to encounter disputes arising from competing allocations and titles, suggesting that existing mechanisms are often more effective in resolving double allocation after it occurs than preventing it at the allocation stage. The study therefore recommends stronger pre-allocation verification, integration of land records, clearer institutional responsibilities, enhanced regulation of private real-estate developers and improved mechanisms for identifying and resolving conflicting land records. It concludes that preventing double allocation requires not only adequate land laws but also a coordinated institutional system capable of ensuring that no parcel is allocated or transferred without first confirming its existing legal and physical status.