Our publications provide evidence-based research, policy briefs, and analytical papers that inform decision-making and contribute to national and regional development. They serve as a reliable source of knowledge for policymakers, researchers, development partners, and the general public seeking insights on key economic and social issues.
This brief examines how the process of decentralization by devolution in Tanzania affects local democracy and the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. The most common arguments for democratic decentralization in the literature are two, an efficiency argument and a normative argument. The efficiency argument is based on the fact
This brief examines how the process of decentralization by devolution in Tanzania affects outcomes in terms of local government authorities (LGAs) capacity to deliver financial services to the poor. These outcomes depend on the level of administrative autonomy given to LGAs by the central government, their own capacity to execute,
Health workers are the cornerstone and drivers of health systems and must be adequate if the country is to achieve her health targets as articulated in the Kenya Health Policy (2014- 2030), Kenya Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals. There is a strong positive correlation between health workforce density and
Agriculture development strategies continue to play an integral role in the economies and livelihoods of the poor in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) because of the predominantly agrarian economies and agriculture provides employment to large proportions of the population. Despite their importance to local economies, these strategies have historically been driven by
Poverty level remains quite high in the country, more so in rural than urban areas. As the Household Budget Survey of 2012 shows, while 10% and 28% of Tanzanians are below food and basic needs poverty lines respectively, the corresponding figures for rural areas are 11% and 33% respectively (URT,
Seizing a major opportunity: industrial development with health sector benefits Local manufacturers in Tanzania are not sharing in the large and expanding market for health-related commodities. The health sector buys medicines and other supplies such as cotton wool, protective gloves, syringes, diagnostic test kits, laboratory supplies, medical equipment, and infection
Active participation in local governance is necessary for improving a citizen’s quality of life. Participation is manifested by the citizen’s active role in governance structures (village/ neighborhood (mtaa) assembly meetings), active involvement in public service committees (water management committees, school committees, etc.), and active involvement in preparing village/ neighborhood and
This paper examines the production and market arrangements in the sugar value chain in Tanzania, an industry that involves a significant number of smallholders producing sugarcane for monophonic processors. The study followed an exploratory approach, including the triangulation of data through interviews with key institutions such as the Sugar Board
Policy Options and Constraints Tanzania is rapidly losing its pharmaceutical production capability, and therefore its ability to supply one of its population’s basic needs. The loss undermines Tanzania’s medium-term security of supply of essential medicines. It threatens cumulative industrial and employment decline in one of Tanzania’s few higher-skill sectors and
A Comparative Analysis with a Focus on Tanzania The Public Accounts Committee is one of the standing committees of the Parliament of Tanzania. Among its major functions, the Committee is responsible for scrutinizing government expenditures, government financial year accounts and any other accounts presented to the National Assembly as the
Democracy can only grow and thrive where citizens perceive their government to be transparent and accountable to them. Citizens will support and complement government efforts if the government informs them of how decisions that affect them are taken. Most importantly, citizens like to be informed of how much taxes are
This policy brief reports findings from a REPOA research project, with The Open University, UK, and ACTS, Nairobi, entitled Industrial Productivity andHealth Sector Performance.
Opportunities for Improvement This brief discusses the scope for improving agricultural input subsidies with reference to the implementation of NAIVS in Tanzania (2010/11– 2011/12). It begins with the importance of awareness of NAIVS and examines the awareness levels among the farmers in the programme. The discussion then addresses the challenges
The Case of Vietnam Over the last few decades, development policy has been dominated by mainstream economic theories that focus on the need for economic growth above all else to achieve sustainable development. But, in practice, many of the developing countries that have undergone radical structural adjustment of their economies
A perspective from the Executive Opinion Survey, 2012-13 This policy brief looks at the country-level findings from the 2012/13 Global Competitiveness Report prepared for the World Economic Forum; highlights the current institutional set up in relation to investment; and identifies institutional and policy reforms that could stimulate growth and make
Eight Key Messages for Unlocking Tanzania’s Potential What will it take for a robust socio-economic transformation in Tanzania to be realized? Drawing on extensive research into high-achieving countries including learning missions to Viet Nam, China, Namibia and Brazil, this brief identifies eight key messages for unlocking Tanzania’s socio-economic potential and