Challenges and Solutions in the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Tanzania

The past few decades have seen increased desire by different parties such as governments and international organisations to safeguard intangible cultural heritage. A sense of urgency emerged from the realisation that aspects of intangible cultural heritage are in danger of being lost owing to the impact of multiple factors such as modernisation and globalisation. In attempting to prevent such a loss, scholars, governments and international organisations have suggested different measures such as the creation of inventories and living museums, to be used in the safeguarding process. While much research has focused on the impacts of such measures on either the types of heritage or their ‘cultural practitioners’ in local communities, little is known about the general, more systemic factors affecting their success. Using Tanzania as a case study, this paper explores the challenges heritage practitioners and others face in their efforts to safeguard intangible heritage, and suggests ways to remedy the situation. It is argued that each individual context has specific challenges that need specific attention rather than generalised solutions.