Abstract

This study aims at understanding land governance in a multilinear descent social system as is the case among the Tonga of Nkhata Bay, Malawi. In particular, it aims at understanding how the Tonga cultural practice of ‘mwana ndi mwanangwa’ (which simply means entitlement and freedom an individual acquires upon birth) influences land governance and its associated rights and obligations. The concept suggests that children can access land for both residential and land use without any restrictions in four (or more) locations where their parents originate from. That is from father’s paternal and maternal sides as well as from mother’s paternal and maternal sides. Principally it is about entitlement and choices an individual has which is the basis for multiplicity of claims in multiple locations. The study utilizes the concept of ‘wanangwa’ (which means freedom or entitlement) to understand how land rights operate and how contestations are managed. The study adopted a qualitative method approach with an aim to understand people’s lived experiences. Participants to the study were first selected purposively based on their knowledge of the Tonga cultural tradition. For purposes of following up on key issues, snowballing technique was used. Data was analsed using content analysis. The study found out that children, regardless of sex, can access land in multiple locations. Once land has been allocated, entitlement is guaranteed allowing an individual to enjoy full rights without any known restrictions. These rights are guaranteed through parenthood (upapi) and their children become part of the inheritance plan. The study further found out that much as the concept provides the liberty of choices, on its own it does not offer complete security. It contains inherent contestations but at the same time it provides mechanisms of dealing with them. The study concludes that the various land conflicts recorded were mostly a result of changes in land use patterns which generated new opportunities. Interest changed. It was no longer about entitlement but envisaged individual benefits. This unique Tonga cultural practice addresses one of the main challenges facing Malawi in relation to gender and land access and management as it demonstrates a complete departure from the known matrilineal and patrilineal systems of descent whose inheritance follows a gender line.

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School	: Not specified
Issued Date	: 2022

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