Mechanism for Co-Operative Revitalisation in Tanzania: A Policy Review

Abstract

This study provides an overview of the empirical research gaps in several disciplines on the revival of co-operatives societies in Tanzania. This research was undertaken in four regions namely Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Mbeya and Tabora between 2017 and 2018. Selection of these regions was based on the facts that each region has historically strong crop based co-operative union and spatial distribution of the regions effectively represents the country. The basis of this study therefore was to explore gaps on how to revitalize cooperatives, and why these gaps still persist so as to rethink of immediate actions for the revival of co-operatives in the country for sustainability of co-operative development. Co-operative development policy of 2002 needs a review by the responsible Ministry. The current understaffing and low capacity building of the Co-operative institutions are found as a core challenges facing co-operatives institutions in Tanzania. For example, the established co-operative development programs lacks sustainability strategy and exit approach, Tanzania lacks an oversight body of co-operatives that could form part of and a Co-operative Tribunal to assess misconduct, claims, granting ex parte judgments, giving hearing dates, and hearing disputes.