The Present and Potential Role of Non-Governmental Organisations in Agricultural and Rural Development in Tanzania

Faisal H. H. Issa, Faisal H. H. (2004) The Present and Potential Role of Non-Governmental Organisations in Agricultural and Rural Development in Tanzania. ["eprint_fieldopt_thesis_type_phd" not defined] thesis, University of Bremen.

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Abstract

Since the mid-1990s, there has been increased NGO involvement in development activities in Tanzania. This followed the beginning of socio-economic liberalisation policies from the mid-1980s and political pluralism in the mid-1990s. As Tanzania's economy is predominantly dependent on agriculture, development interventions by NGOs have to, in one way or another, support and promote agricultural development to improve rural conditions and the livelihoods of the majority rural population. This thesis is an to capture the role the NGOs play in promoting rural and agricultural development in the country. NGO involvement in what the NGOs are involved in, the strategies and approaches they use or how they do what they do, and how well they perform including impediments or conditions limiting desired levels of performance are all examined. The role the NGOs play in promoting and supporting rural and agricultural development in the country is assessed in relation to relevant NGO theory as developed from preceding Latin America, Africa and Asia. There have been, previously, studies undertaken on NGOs and their development efforts, but mostly across a number of developing countries or the study of some two or three NGO projects/programs in one or two countries. As a country study, this study through relevant methodologies has attempted to undertake a comprehensive study of NGOs in their efforts to promote agricultural development in Tanzania. Eight case studies have been developed and a survey of forty relevant NGOs undertaken. Socio-economic and political conditions of the past, the present, and earmarked or planned national frameworks and strategies to promote rural and agricultural development in the country having impact on rural and agricultural development are examined. These contextual factors are looked at in relation to the conditions which gave raise to or created the requirements for increased NGO involvement in rural development in Tanzania and provide or show the development frameworks within which NGOs are operating and will operate in the future. The final output of the study comes from cross case analysis and the analysis of survey information through important organising themes identified from the existing NGO theory and documented NGO practice in rural and agricultural development. These organising themes include poverty orientation, holistic approaches, community organisation, gender concern, agro ecological orientation, scaling up and networking, etc. Institutional relationships between the NGOs and other development actors are also examined and the outcome feeds into the general discussions. Some propositions are made of importance to the future of NGO involvement in rural development and for national development generally.

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