Can and Should Cooperatives Manage Water, Energy and Forest Resources in Tanzania?

Abstract

This chapter explores whether cooperatives can and should assume responsibility for the management of natural resources as part of role expansion. It is a continuation of the author’s study on what cooperative enterprises may undertake under the umbrella of the principle of concern for community with an emphasis on the socio-economic needs of non-members. However, the analysis is limited to natural resources management in Tanzania. The author wondered whether Tanzania’s institutional, legislative and policy frameworks encourage cooperative societies to carry out their responsibilities for managing natural resources. The discussion is triggered by explanations on the cooperative organisation role evolution from being member centric to encompass concern for community. It then gives special attention to the enterprises’ roles in natural resources management. In this, the chapter explains why cooperatives fit in the picture using best practices and examples of the enterprises’ endeavours to meet the economic progress of members while satisfying their socio-cultural interests and protecting environment.