COUNTRY REPORT
TANZANIA
By Hezron Julius KAAYA (TUCTA)
1. TANZANIA - INTRODUCTION
1.0 Tanzania is among the largest countries in Africa on geographical point of view,
having a total area of 945087 sq Km, water area of 59,050 sq km, these include
the island of Mafia, Pemba and Zanzibar. The total land boundaries cover about
3861km and coastline 1,424km.
1.2 The highest mountain in Africa is situated in Tanzania, the Kilimanjaro with
5,895 M height.
1.3 The population of Tanzania by the year 2002 was 35.92 million. Population
growth rate of 2.4%. Ethnic groups mainland 99% Africans. Others 1% consist
of Asian, European, Arabs and Native African. Religions mainly Christian 45%,
Muslim 35% and indigenous 20%. In Zanzibar more than 99% are Muslim.
2.0 AN OVERVIEW
SITUATION
OF
POLITICAL,
ECONOMIC
AND
SOCIAL
The United Republic of Tanzania was formed in April 1964 by the union of
Tanganyika and the state of Zanzibar and Pemba. Tanganyika had been successively
a German colony, a British administered league of Nations mandate, a United Nations
Trust Territory under British administration. The formation of political parties,
Tanganyika African Association (TAA) and later, the Tanganyika African National
Union (TANU), under the able and skilful chairmanship of Julius Nyerere back in
1954 marked the beginning of the independence struggle earnest.
After seven years of intense struggle, Tanganyika won her independence under the
auspices of the TANU, strengthened by the cooperation of Trade Unions and
Agricultural cooperatives, in 1961 December. Two years later in December 1963, the
island of Zanzibar and Pemba also became independent. The leaderships of newly
independent Tanganyika and Zanzibar replaced parliament with the party as the centre
of power and in 1965 a change in the constitution made the country a one party
democratic state.
In the early 1990s the ruling party, C.C:M sensed the democratic movement which
gained ground across Africa. Hence, a multiparty system was introduced in July 1992
and the first multiparty elections took place in 1995. Despite the introduction of
multiparty democracy, C.C.M, the ruling party continued to play a dominant role in
political life.
2.2 Tanzania is one of the few countries in Africa with a record since independence
of political and civic stability. It is a peaceful nation forged by its founder the
late Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere.
2.3 Tanzania possesses assets and vast resources, including large reserves, a unique
stock of natural assets and an abundant wild life despite its potential and rich
resources endowment, however, Tanzania counts among one of the poorest
countries of the world with a per capita GNP estimated at about US280 in 2002.
2.4 Following the Arusha Declaration in 1967, Tanzania launched a socialist
development agenda with broad state controls investment in social sectors.
Although these policies initially resulted in impressive social indicators, they
provoked a long term economic downswing and macroeconomic imbalances.
This called for economic which began in 1986 supported by the Bretton Woods
Institutions. The economy at first responded positively and grew by 4% over the
following decade with reducing level of poverty. However, that reform program
fell off track in mid 90s resulting in lower growth and higher budget deficits.
2.5 The elections of November 1995 represented a turning point. The new President
Benjamin W. Mkapa committed his government to achieve macroeconomic
stability and increase allocations to priority social sectors.
Progress in reforms and renewed macroeconomic stability has yet to translate into
sustainable improvements in the standard of living of people. Official estimates now
suggest that more than half of the population is poor, with 36% living in absolute
poverty.
2.6 Tanzania is highly dependent on external aid, which accounted for 10% GDP and
33% of the government budget in 1999/2000. The economy is still heavily
dependent on agriculture and efforts to modernize this sector have not yet yielded
results. Obstacles to development have remained and private sectors response to
ongoing reforms has been slow. Levels of foreign investment are low. An
adequate and inefficient legal and regulatory framework and poor infrastructure
has exacerbated the situation
2.7 Governance: The political and economic transition to a culture of decentralized
multiparty democracy, after 30 years of highly centralized one party socialist
system is in early stage. Decision making is now slowly becoming more
decentralized through local government authorities. Though there exist a large
number of unions cooperatives, women and youth organizations, ethnic self help
associations and religious organizations, civil society organizations is not geared
to an advocacy role nor is it structured to manage funds or implement large scale
programmes. NGOS are weak in terms of legal, financial and human resources
and many are directly dependent on international support. Democratization has
led to stronger human rights issues and Tanzania has ratified most important
conventions and rules of human rights, however, traditional and national laws
combined with local customs and practices still restrict the rights of vulnerable
groups in society especially poor women and youth.
As mentioned earlier, corruption is widespread phenomenon in Tanzania hampering
development in all segments of society. The government is now giving increasing
importance to good governance as critical to the success of Tanzania wider
development agenda.
The local government reform programmes serves the dual of strengthening service
delivery at local level and improving participatory democracy by involving the local
population in decision making and execution of development programmes.
2.8 Road sector: The Tanzania transport system comprises the road network totaling
about 85,000km to rail systems operated by Tanzania Railway Corporation and
the Tanzania/Zambia railway authority. Major seaports in Daresalaam, Zanzibar,
Tanga and Mtwara and three international airports plus several major domestic
ones.
The road sector is by far the dominant mode of transport in Tanzania as represents
70% of freight and 90% of passenger in the country. Tanzania road network is poor
by international standards. According to recent road condition survey, an average of
only 16% of the total network is in good condition. The situation is particularly
serious in rural areas.
2.9 Education sector: The government has emphasized investment in human capital
as a central to the quality of life of Tanzanians. Likewise, education has been
considered a precondition for progress in development and for the reduction of
poverty. The central place of education has been further accentuated in the long
term policy objective of the poverty reduction strategy and vision 2025.
Throughout the priority goal has been to ensure that children have access to
quality education, in first instance basic education.
2.10 Agriculture, water and natural resources: Traditionally, agriculture has been
the backbone of Tanzania’s economy. 80% of the population find employment in
the sector generating 60% of the country’s GDP. The sector is characterized by
low productivity, low levels of technology and mainly subsistence farming.
Water supply remains vital in Tanzania. Less than 50% of the total population has
access to clean water. About 25% of the land area is protected for national parks,
game reserves, marine parks etc.
2:11 Gender, Health and HIV/AIDS: Analysis of gender relationship in Tanzania
shows that women are at disadvantage than men in nearly every major aspects. Much
work has been done by the government, donors, NGOs and various institutions to
create gender awareness among decision makers and society at large.
Health standards of the Tanzania population especially of the poor are very low. The
health sector which suffered from the economic decay since the early 80s has not been
able to redress the situation. Malaria is the main killer disease with clear poverty and
gender dimensions.
Like in other sub Saharan countries HIV /AIDS has became epidemic. It causes a
serious threat to the nation with more many aspects than just the health related issues.
Currently the number of infected was estimated at more than 1.5milion with the
majority living in poor or a very poor conditions. Women are more affected than men.
The infection rate stands at 8.8% of the sexually active population at the end of 2003.
TANZANIA TRADE AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION.
Tanzania is a member of two regional trading arrangements, the revived EAST
AFRICA COMMUNITY and SADC, and participates in the Regional Integration
Facilitation Forum (ex CBI). However, with effect from September 2000 the country
left COMESA because of administrative complexity of overlapping membership in a
plethora of regional trade arrangements but also for fear of loosing considerable tariff
revenues.
4.0 TANZANIA AND NEPAD
The united Republic of Tanzania as a member of African Union (AU) is committed
to the objective of NEPAD and is in good position to participate effectively and
gainfully in all aspects of NEPAD.The country has already developed its NEPAD
program of action.
5.0 THE COTONOU AGREEMENT
Tanzania is one of the countries that signed a new partnership agreement between the
European Union EU and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries, ACP, in
Cotonou Benin on June 2000.This agreement foresees the preparation of a Country
Strategy paper (CSP) to provide a frame work for EC development assistance towards
Tanzania under the 9th EDF, covering the period 2001-2007.
6.0 INFORMATION ON TRADE UNIONS IN TANZANIA
Tanzania Trade Unions history has passed through two major phases since 1950s.
The first workers movement was the Tanganyika Federation of Labour (TFL)
established in 1955.In struggle for independence it work hand in hand with what was
to become the ruling party TANU.
In 1964, the TFL was disbanded and the National Union of Tanganyika workers
NUTA took its place. Political changes in the country brought with them the need to
have the Trade Union that would cater for the whole the country, mainland and island.
So, Jumuiya ya Wafanyakazi Tanzania ( JUWATA) was established in 1979 which
stood as a mass organization of the ruling party, CCM.
With the demand for multi party democracy JUWATA was replaced by The
Organization of Tanzania Trade Unions (OTTU) of which eleven trade unions were
formed under OTTU.
New Trade Union Act was enacted in 1978 which accommodates the demand for
multi-trade unions. The act became operational in 1st July2000.
7.0 FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS.
An important event that took place after the act became in place was the formulation
Federation; Trade Union Congress of Tanzania TUCTA, which was registered in May
2001. Currently, TUCTA has twelve members (affiliated Unions).
8.0 TANZANIA AND THE ILO
Being a member of International Labour Organization ( ILO) and Tanzania has
ratified all eight ILO core conventions.
The ILO Area Office in Dar es Salaam has always being in a good relationship with
the Trade unions through the centre and its assistance to labour movement in the
country has generally been felt under Tripartism context.
9.0 CONCLUSIONS
Given the abundant resources, the Tanzania society should no longer remain poor. We
should make of national unity, peace, and the prevailing international integration to
pull ourselves out of poverty through proper and effective utilization of national
resources and policies implementation
Trade Unions have a long way to go. Their strategies must be changed and focus to
the current global economic relations, and strive hard to become an important partner
in all aspects of social development, whether in the country subregional and or
international wise.
The solidarity song should now be translated into reality. Trade union members,
leaders and workers at large should be informed about the consequences of splitting
and instead lay down the strategies of merging.
THE END