Role of Community Based Organisations in Poverty Reduction

Abstract

The study focused on assessing the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) in poverty reduction among members in Tanzania. CBOs existed even before colonial era but became more pronounced during 1980s to-date following political and economic reforms in Tanzania. The theme of the study was that CBOs played a key role in improving their members' wellbeing. The study involved members of three CBOs in Hai District as main respondents whilst CBO managers, District Community Development Offcer (DCDO), Ward Community Development Officer (WCDOs) were key informants. CBOs activities were treated as independent variables while their effects on members' lives were treated as dependent variable. This study was facilitated by field survey. The research methodology used both qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection. Probability and nonprobability sampling procedures were employed. Qualitative data were manipulated manually through content analyses while quantitative data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Excel to produce descriptive statistics. Research findings revealed that income of members of CBOs increased aner joining CBOs. Multidimensional poverty index (MPI) indicated that 12.6% of CBO members remained multidimensionally poor. Members' participation was highly observed and they had activities that were intended for addressing shocks. CBOs coordinated and promoted members private investments to address income poverty. It was therefore recommended that CBOs should be strengthened financially. CBOs should be linked to market chains, national and intemational NGOs including building members capacities to adopt new technology in farming and refrain from rain dependent agriculture.