The Role of Political Leadership in Reducing Illiteracy Rates in Tanzania: A Case Study of Dodoma City Council.

Nkala, Godriver Eshton (2025) The Role of Political Leadership in Reducing Illiteracy Rates in Tanzania: A Case Study of Dodoma City Council. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study examined the role of political leadership in reducing illiteracy rates in Tanzania, with a focus on the Dodoma City Council. The study was guided by three specific objectives: (1) to assess the level of political leadership participation in the development of literacy policies and programmes in Tanzania; (2) to examine the role of political leaders at the district level in the implementation of literacy programmes; and (3) to identify the challenges stakeholders face related to political leadership in efforts to reduce illiteracy rates in Tanzania. An interpretivist research paradigm, supported by a qualitative research approach and a case study design, guided the study. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that while political leaders support the formulation of literacy policies, their engagement is often limited to high-level endorsements with minimal involvement in grassroots policy development. At the district level, the participation of political leaders in implementation efforts was found to be inconsistent, often constrained by limited resources, insufficient technical capacity, and competing political priorities. The study concludes that political leadership plays a crucial, yet often under utilized, role in advancing literacy initiatives. It recommends strengthening political accountability, increasing resource allocation, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, and enhancing the capacity of political leaders in education advocacy to improve literacy outcomes in Tanzania. Keywords: Political Leadership, Literacy, Literacy Rates, Illiteracy and Illiteracy Rates

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