Tanzania’s Resilient Natural Resource Management for Tourism and Growth project, known as REGROW, was a $150 million initiative financed by the International Development Association (IDA) and approved in September 2017. The project aimed to improve natural resource management and tourism assets in southern Tanzania while increasing access to alternative livelihoods for targeted communities. Wildlife-based tourism is a significant part of Tanzania’s economy, accounting for over a quarter of foreign exchange earnings in 2019.
REGROW focused on four main areas: enhancing management and infrastructure in protected areas, supporting alternative livelihoods near these areas, strengthening landscape management around Ruaha National Park (RUNAPA), and overseeing project management.
Among its achievements, the Community Conservation Banks (COCOBA) initiative established 565 groups with more than 11,600 members—most of whom were women. These groups managed various livelihood projects, including crop farming and livestock keeping. Members received training in financial management and business development. Additionally, 409 Village Game Scouts completed training to address human-wildlife conflict and promote conservation awareness; some found employment with local authorities. The project also provided scholarships to over 1,000 students from nearby villages.
Infrastructure improvements included funding airstrips, student hostels, administrative buildings, and equipment for wildlife research and tourism support. REGROW also rehabilitated irrigation systems such as the Madibira scheme, which created jobs for hundreds of people and helped thousands of farmers increase productivity.
However, concerns arose regarding the treatment of communities living within RUNAPA. On July 20, 2023, the Inspection Panel—a body that reviews complaints about World Bank-funded projects—received a request for inspection from residents near RUNAPA. They alleged evictions and excessive use of force by park authorities. Following this complaint and subsequent findings that preparatory resettlement activities did not comply with required frameworks or grievance mechanisms, the World Bank suspended disbursements under REGROW in April 2024. The project was cancelled at the Tanzanian Government’s request in November 2024.
A second complaint was filed during this suspension period regarding imminent evictions within RUNAPA. The Inspection Panel completed its investigation in September 2024. It found that while there was no evidence of involuntary physical relocation, the World Bank had not fully identified or addressed risks related to potential resettlement or conflicts arising from park regulations affecting livelihoods.
In response to these findings, the World Bank prepared a Management Action Plan (MAP), approved by its Executive Directors in April 2025. The Tanzanian Government committed to implementing this plan alongside the Bank.
Key aspects of the MAP include assurances from the government that there are no plans for resettlement in the foreseeable future; enhanced grievance redress mechanisms with new committees and reporting systems; immediate assistance for alternative livelihoods prioritized through community consultations; support for skills development activities such as agroforestry and beekeeping; and workshops on sustainable conservation practices involving technical experts from various sectors.
Regarding compensation claims for injuries or property loss linked to REGROW activities, “We are deeply concerned by reports of injuries, deaths, and property loss, and we extend our sympathies to all affected individuals and their families. Claims for compensation, however, are handled through the Tanzanian legal processes in accordance with national laws. The Inspection Panel did not find that individual injuries, fatalities, or instances of property loss were caused by REGROW. Nevertheless, the World Bank is supporting the Government to bring legal services closer to citizens. As part of the ongoing initiatives agreed under the MAP, a local NGO partner will provide communities in and around RUNAPA with legal information to access legal help if they need it.”
The expansion of RUNAPA boundaries occurred prior to REGROW’s inception; “The expansion of RUNAPA boundaries was not part of REGROW and occurred in 2008 – almost 10 years before the Project was initiated. The World Bank does not have the authority to compel the Government to alter park boundaries. Such decisions are under the jurisdiction of the national government.”
On possible future resettlements: “The authority to pursue resettlement plans rests with the Government of Tanzania under national laws and policies regarding resettlement. However...the Government informed the Bank that it had no intention of resettling communities in the foreseeable future...”
Reflecting on lessons learned: “As an institution that is focused on fighting poverty and enabling people to improve their lives, we are committed to continually improving our own systems and practices. Learning from this case...we have a renewed focus on working with governments to strengthen processes to identify, avoid, and minimize social and environmental impacts...”
The World Bank has since developed guidelines on managing risks associated with projects involving protected areas.