Successful Rural Producer Organisations in Tanzania

Abstract

Rural Producer Organizations (RPOs) are viewed by most stakeholders as critical organizations for poverty reduction in rural areas of developing countries. In this respect, performance measurements of RPOs are necessary for two main reasons: (i) RPOs are expected to realize their organizational goals, for which they must be held responsible for their performance and action; (ii) It facilitates learning and improves performance (Hailey and Sorgenfrei, 2005:2). In Tanzania, the government has accorded RPOs a special recognition under National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (NSGRP) or Mpango wa Kukuza Uchumi na Kuondoa Umaskini national medium-term development framework (URT, 2005). Socio-economic and political reforms implemented in Tanzania have increase opportunities for growth of the RPOs in the country as it has opened up avenues for democratic and economic emancipation at the grassroots level. However, the performance of these organizations has, in many cases, not been impressive. They have been associated with crisis manifested in poor performances, theft and embezzlement of resources, mismanagement, and above all failure to empower their members/climates politically as well as economically. This survey aims at documenting successful cases from the surveyed regions. However, this survey might not necessarily be exhaustive in studying successful cases, but it provides a beginning for such an exercise. In addition, the selected cases might not be necessarily the best. Nevertheless, this survey is a contribution towards the government medium term development framework implemented under MKUKUTA, which emphasizes pro-poor growth where the role of RPOs feature prominently. This study will contribute towards shaping the future interventions by both government and donnor communities. Furthermore, members of RPOs will be able to improve their organizational performances by addressing institutional constraints identified in the survey.