Tanzania's justice system has expanded access and reduced case backlogs, but rural and underserved communities still face challenges getting timely, affordable justice. Community mediation supplements justice sector efforts of promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
ESS Creative and Legal Foundation empowers community leaders in practical mediation skills, enabling them to mediate disputes amicably. This grassroots mediation supports national priorities on promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) while strengthening judicial efficiency.
Real Impact: 80 Disputes Resolved Locally
Salehe Mruma, the Ward Executive Officer of Ibuga Ward, is currently participating in an inclusive mediation empowerment program from ESS. He mediated 80 community disputes from February 2024 to 1st August 2025, including land disagreements, inheritance, money-related disputes, and family conflicts, that would have otherwise gone to the courts of law.
These cases were handled in culturally appropriate ways that promote mediation rather than litigation. The outcome? A reduced backlog of cases in Tanzania's judicial system and a more timely resolution of disputes for citizens in need.
Supporting Justice Sector Vision
Community mediators (Peacemakers) like Salehe Mruma advance the same objectives outlined in Tanzania's Judiciary Mediation Strategy and National ADR Framework. They're not separate from the formal system—they're grassroots partners extending its reach.
This model delivers three key benefits: reduces court backlogs, promotes peace, and ensures timely dispute resolution for ordinary citizens.
A model for Scale
ESS's framework is straightforward: identify community leaders, empower them in inclusive mediation techniques, and include them into justice sector as recognized ADR contributors.
Proven Results
Salehe Mruma's success demonstrates that Strategic investment in grassroots mediation empowerment programs can accelerate timely access to justice nationwide while maintaining quality and accountability standards.
ESS is committed to scaling this grassroots mediation empowerment program through collaborations with key justice stakeholders like the Communities, the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, High Court Mediation Center, the President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Tanzania Law Reform Commission, and Funding Partners.
Salehe Mruma, the Ward Executive Officer of Ibuga Ward, seen Mediating a dispute
