Concept of Economic Development

Economic development refers to the increase in economic growth and the equitable distribution of goods and services among people. It also includes improvements in production quality.

Meaning of Development

Development is a process aimed at improving the lives of people in a country. This involves not only raising living standards through goods and services but also promoting self-esteem, dignity, respect, and people’s freedom to choose and take control of their lives.

Types and Levels of Development

Levels of Development:

1. Individual Development: This level pertains to the material well-being of a person, such as having a good house, car, and clothes. It also includes greater freedom of expression, worship, increased human skills, and the ability to produce goods and services in larger quantities. Education level is a crucial part of individual development.
2. National Development: This level involves the improvement of social, economic, cultural, and political affairs within a community or country. It includes better health services, water accessibility, good governance, rule of law, and human rights.

Types of Development:

1. Economic Development: This is crucial for modern societies as it directly impacts the welfare of people. Economic development focuses on increasing the living standards across the population and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor.
2. Social Development: This refers to the improvements in social structures, services, and overall quality of life within a society.

Economic Growth vs. Economic Development

Economic Growth is an increase in the productive potential of an economy, measured quantitatively by the increase in goods and services produced over a specified period, typically reflected by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Economic Development encompasses economic growth but also includes qualitative improvements in the economy, such as better living conditions and equitable distribution of wealth. Many developing countries may show high economic growth but lack substantial economic development, as seen in Tanzania where GDP rises but many people’s living conditions do not improve.

Indicators of Economic Development

Indicators of economic development measure the degree to which a country has developed economically. These indicators include:

• Per Capita Income: The average income of the people in a country, calculated by dividing the Gross National Product (GNP) by the total population.
• Birth Rates and Population Growth: Higher birth rates and rapid population growth can indicate different stages of development.
• Life Expectancy: Longer life expectancy reflects better health services and overall quality of life.
• Literacy Rates: Higher literacy rates suggest better educational services and opportunities.
• Energy Consumption: Increased energy consumption typically correlates with higher levels of industrial and economic activity.
• Rural-Urban Migration: Movement from rural areas to cities often indicates economic development and urbanization.
• Unemployment and Poverty Rates: Lower rates signify better economic conditions and job availability.

Example: Tanzania

To illustrate economic development indicators, consider Tanzania. One of the key indicators is per capita income. If Tanzania’s Gross National Product (GNP) is Tsh. 56,208.4 billion and the total population is 40.7 million, the per capita income would be calculated as follows:

Per Capita Income=Total PopulationGNP​=40.7million56,208.4billion Tsh​=1,380,495Tsh

This calculation indicates the average income per person in Tanzania, which can be used to compare with other indicators to assess the country’s economic development.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), commonly known as the World Bank, classifies countries based on their GDP per capita, providing a global standard for assessing economic development.

Birth rates

Birth rate is the ratio of total live births to a total live births to total population in a specified community or area over a specified period of time. The birth rate is often expressed as the number of live births per thousand of the population per year. This is the easiest way of distinguishing developing countries from developed countries. The birth rate in low-income countries as a group is 30 per thousand, twice that of developed countries at 14 per thousand.

Population Growth

Population growth refers to an increase in the number of people. In developing countries, population growth rates are higher compared to developed countries. Over the last 50 years, the world population has grown rapidly, significantly impacting the process of development.

Causes of Population Growth in Developing Countries

• High Birth Rates: Birth rates remain high while death rates have fallen, mainly because a larger proportion of girls get married at a young age and have children over many years.
• Early Marriages: Many young girls get married at a tender age, contributing to higher birth rates over a longer period.

Population Control Measures

Many governments, including Tanzania’s, have policies aimed at slowing population growth. In Tanzania, the birth control program “Nyota ya Kijani” aims to ensure fewer children per family to reduce poverty and enable the government to provide adequate social services.

Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is the average number of years a newborn baby is expected to live if health conditions remain constant. Life expectancy is generally lower in developing countries compared to developed countries. For instance, in developed countries, deaths of children under five years old account for 1.3% of all deaths, while in developing countries, this figure is 10.5%.

Indicators of Life Expectancy

• Population per Hospital Bed: Medical care is scarce in poor countries, leading to high death rates. Improving health care quality and increasing the number of doctors and hospital beds are essential.
• Calorie Intake: Calorie deficiency causes malnutrition, which affects health and productivity.
• Protein Intake: Adequate protein is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing malnutrition.
• Population per Physician: In developing countries, physicians attend to more patients due to a shortage of doctors.
• Infant Mortality Rate: This measures the number of live-born babies who do not survive to their first birthday per thousand births. Factors contributing to high infant mortality include poor drinking water quality, inadequate nutrition, and poor healthcare provision.

Literacy Rates

Literacy, the ability to read and write, is strongly linked to education, openness to change, and labor productivity. It is a fundamental objective of development.

Energy Consumption

Energy consumption is highly correlated with industrialization. The poorest countries use very little energy, while the richest industrial countries consume a lot. For example, Tanzania primarily uses firewood, whereas industrialized countries use gas, solar energy, hydroelectric power, and coal. Energy consumption indicates the level of a country’s development.

Rural-Urban Migration

People in developing countries often migrate from rural to urban areas to seek employment. However, many of these migrants remain unemployed and face poverty in urban areas.

Unemployment

Unemployment refers to the situation where able and mentally fit individuals are jobless. It is a serious issue in developing countries, especially among youth in urban areas. High unemployment rates can lead to civil unrest, lower living standards, increased crime, child labor, family separation, and an increased number of street children.

Poverty

Poverty is the state of being poor and unable to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. It is a significant distinguishing feature between developing and developed countries. Poverty hinders economic development.

Indicators of Economic Development in Tanzania

Tanzania is gradually developing through the implementation of modern technology in industries and small-scale businesses. The government has established Export Processing Zones (EPZ) to attract investment, increase foreign exchange earnings, and create employment opportunities.

Key Sectors for EPZ Investment

• Textiles and Garments
• Agro-Processing
• Leather Processing
• Fish Processing
• Lapidary (Gold, Diamond, Gemstones)
• Wood Products
• Electrical Appliances
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

These initiatives aim to reduce unemployment, raise GDP, and lower poverty rates.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of Tanzania’s economy. The “Kilimo Kwanza” policy aims to increase the labor force in farming, solving malnutrition issues and increasing life expectancy.

Factors for Economic Development

Economic development requires an increase in production and equitable distribution of goods and services. Key factors include:

Land

Land includes natural resources like the earth’s surface, lakes, rivers, and forests. It provides space for production and contributes significantly to national income.

Labour

Labour, the human resource, is the primary factor of production. It organizes other factors of production and applies technical know-how in the production process.

Capital

Capital includes all man-made productive assets like tools, machinery, and buildings. It increases the productivity of land and labor and is crucial for investment and economic growth.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure includes facilities like roads, railways, schools, and electricity. It is essential for the transportation of goods and overall economic development.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs organize land, labor, and capital to produce goods and services. They bear business risks and make key decisions regarding production and business operations.

Technology

Technology involves the use of tools, machines, and processes to produce goods and services. Higher technology levels increase production efficiency and output.

Education

Education enhances labor quality and efficiency. It is crucial for economic development as it reduces reliance on foreign labor and improves productivity.

Good Governance

Good governance involves the exercise of state power in managing resources, ensuring accountability, transparency, and citizen participation. It provides a conducive environment for economic activities and development.

Activity

Referring to the features of good governance and its significance, discuss how good governance is practiced in Tanzania.

Importance of Each Factor of Economic Development

Understanding the importance of each factor in economic development helps to illustrate how various elements contribute to a nation’s growth and prosperity.

Land

Land provides the space where production occurs. Industries that depend on land include all extractive occupations such as farming, mining, quarrying, and fishing. For example, in Tanzania, land is valuable for agriculture and estate investments, while in the United Arab Emirates, land is more valuable to industrialists for oil extraction.

Labour

Labour is the primary factor of production, organizing other factors of production. It is essential because it utilizes available natural resources. Without labour, neither land nor capital can produce anything. Labour supervises the production of commodities and applies technical know-how in the production process.

Capital

Capital includes all man-made productive assets such as tools, machinery, and buildings. It can be classified into fixed capital (e.g., farms, machinery, factories) and working capital (e.g., raw materials, goods in process, fuel). Capital is crucial for production because it enables investments, such as building factories and power stations, leading to increased production and economic development.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure encompasses the facilities necessary for productive industry to thrive, such as roads, railways, schools, and electricity. It is important because goods must be transported from production places to markets. Good infrastructure reduces labor movement during the marketing process and ensures year-round accessibility. Poor infrastructure leads to poor development.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs are vital in economic development because they provide the funds necessary to combine land, labour, and capital for production. They take business risks and make crucial decisions, such as what to produce, where to locate the enterprise, and the type of business organization. Entrepreneurs drive economic activities by organizing production and bearing the risks associated with business.

Technology

High technology levels lead to increased production. In Tanzania, low production levels are often due to poor technology. For instance, despite having fertile land, inadequate technology in agriculture prevents sufficient food production for domestic needs and export. In mining, foreign investors are invited due to a lack of appropriate technology. Technology enhances growth by increasing capital and labour productivity and creating new products. Lack of technology results in poor production and underdevelopment.

Education

Education is crucial as it improves labor quality and productivity. Basic skills like reading and writing are fundamental for economic functioning. Developing countries have made significant efforts to provide primary education for all children. Education reduces reliance on foreign labor, improves human labor efficiency, and is essential for job creation. In Tanzania, the education system currently trains job seekers rather than job creators, contributing to unemployment among the educated population.

Good Governance

Good governance involves the state’s exercise of power in managing social and economic resources, ensuring accountability, transparency, and citizen participation. Political stability is essential for maintaining production levels. The government plays a crucial role in economic development by creating a conducive environment for citizens to engage in production. It establishes policies that encourage investment, supports economic activities financially, and enacts policies favorable to workers, such as good salaries and working conditions.

The Role of Financial Institutions in Economic Development

Financial institutions are organizations that provide financial services, advice, assistance, or support to individuals, companies, and the public. They can be private or publicly owned and are established and registered by authorities. In Tanzania, financial institutions include banks, insurance companies, social security institutions, loan-giving institutions, and savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOS).

Banks

Banks offer financial services like storing and lending money. In Tanzania, the two main types of banks are the Central Bank and Commercial Banks.

Central Bank

The Central Bank of Tanzania (BoT) was established following the dissolution of the East African Currency Board (EACB). It opened in 1966 under the leadership of President Julius K. Nyerere. The BoT is independent from direct government influence and collaborates closely with the government, particularly the Treasury. The BoT’s key functions include:

• Issuing Currency: The sole right to issue notes and coins, managing the amount of currency in circulation.
• Bankers’ Bank: Acts as a reserve for commercial banks, discounts commercial and government paper, and provides central clearance for inter-bank transactions.
• Government Banker and Fiscal Agent: Manages government deposits, provides temporary advances, and purchases treasury bills.
• Advisory Role: Advises the government on credit conditions and financial policies.
• Managing External Assets: Manages gold and foreign currency reserves, determines exchange rates, and oversees reserve management.
• Supervising Financial Institutions: Ensures that banks and financial institutions operate prudently and comply with laws and regulations.
• Promoting Financial Development: Establishes an effective financial system, including advanced clearing and transfer systems, and supports specialized institutions like development banks and micro-finance institutions.

Commercial Banks

Commercial banks aim to earn profit by accepting savings and providing loans. Controlled by the BoT, some commercial banks in Tanzania include the National Bank of Commerce (NBC), National Microfinance Bank (NMB), and Tanzania Investment Bank (TIB). Their roles include:

• Advising Customers: On investment, trade, and running businesses.
• Custody of Valuables: Safekeeping documents like wills and certificates.
• Providing Foreign Exchange: Facilitating foreign trade.
• Standing Orders: Making regular payments for customers.
• Facilitating Withdrawals: Providing easy access to money through current accounts and cheques.
• Extending Loans: To individuals and companies, supporting various economic activities.
• Depositing Services: Attracting public deposits by paying interest.

Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS)

SACCOS are organized groups where members contribute capital through savings, which is then used to open ventures. Profits are distributed as interest to savers, and members can borrow money at an interest. In Tanzania, SACCOS are popular for raising living standards and eradicating poverty. Key principles include:

• Equal Voice: Each member has one share and one vote.
• Dividends: Distributed annually based on contributions.
• Democratic Elections: Leaders are elected democratically.

Importance of SACCOS

SACCOS help in economic development by providing loans for investment, education on entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, and establishing social ventures.

Conditions and Procedures for Services

To get services from SACCOS, one must be a member, fill out application forms, and have sponsors. A committee reviews loan requests and assesses the applicant’s ability to repay. Loans are used for various purposes such as business, housing, and education.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies manage risk for individuals and businesses. In Tanzania, types include life, health, and liability insurance. Some companies are National Insurance Corporation (T) Ltd, Reliance Insurance Co. Ltd, and Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.

Importance of Insurance

Insurance restores losses, covers disasters, and reduces losses from accidents and fires. It plays a crucial role in providing security and stability for businesses and individuals.

Social Security Institutions

Social security systems in Tanzania include informal systems like Village Community Banks (VICOBA) and formal systems like the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Parastatal Pension Fund (PPF). The Social Security Regulatory Authority (SSRA) oversees these institutions.

Functions of SSRA

The SSRA registers, regulates, and supervises social security schemes, protects members’ interests, and promotes the development of the social security sector.

Loan-Giving Institutions

These include banks, finance companies, and private money lenders offering various types of loans such as commercial, house-building, and mortgage financing.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Loan-giving institutions support economic development by helping people start businesses and improve living standards. However, high interest rates, bureaucratic processes, and small loan amounts are significant challenges.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Financial Institutions

Commercial Banks

Strengths:

• Easy access to services through ATMs.
• Security for customers’ funds.
• Investment advice and management.
• Safe custody of valuables.
• Providing loans for business and personal use.

Weaknesses:

• High loan repayment interest rates.
• Bureaucratic loan application processes.
• Requirement of collateral security.
• Low interest rates on savings accounts.

SACCOS

Strengths:

• Providing loans to members.
• Offering education on entrepreneurship.
• Creating employment opportunities.
• Establishing social and economic ventures.
• Providing financial assistance to widows.

Weaknesses:

• Bureaucratic loan processing.
• Favoritism in loan provision.
• Lack of educated personnel.
• Conflicts between members and leaders.
• Poor fund management.
• Dormancy due to unpaid loans.

Insurance Companies

Strengths:

• Compensating clients in case of loss.
• Paying back contributions with interest in life insurance.

Weaknesses:

• Limited accessibility in rural areas.
• Delay in compensation.
• Complicated compensation procedures.
• Unfair practices to avoid full compensation.

Social Security Institutions

Strengths:

• Providing security to contributions.
• Giving loans to firms and individuals.
• Investing in housing and providing benefits upon retirement.
• Assisting members in emergencies and during illness.

Weaknesses:

• Poor record-keeping.
• Delays in service provision.
• Inadequate education for members.
• Inaccurate contributions from employers.
• Limited loans for development activities.

Loan-Giving Institutions

Strengths:

• Helping establish small businesses.
• Providing free education on investment.
• Fostering unity among members.

Weaknesses:

• High interest rates on loans.
• Small loan amounts.
• Potential for putting guarantors in trouble due to unpaid loans.

The Role of Government in Economic Development

Introduction

The government plays a crucial role in shaping the economic development of a country through the formulation of policies and the creation of favorable conditions for all sectors of the economy.

Agricultural Sector

In the agricultural sector, the government supports farmers by:

• Providing storage facilities for crops in rural areas.
• Educating farmers on modern production methods and post-harvest care.
• Supplying subsidized pesticides, fertilizers, and equipment like sprayers, hoes, and power tillers.
• Encouraging farmers to join cooperative societies and providing loans.

Culture of Saving and Investing

The government promotes a culture of saving and investing, which:

• Generates wealth for individuals, households, communities, and the nation.
• Reinforces the culture of wealth creation and accumulation.
• Emphasizes maintenance to prevent unnecessary capital loss.

Human Development and Productivity

The government:

• Promotes a broad human development strategy.
• Encourages societal self-upgrading and productivity improvements.
• Creates incentive systems rewarding initiative, creativity, innovation, and excellence.
• Reflects these transformations in the education system, training institutions, and recruitment and promotion processes.

Economic Competitiveness

The government:

• Provides an environment for harnessing domestic resources to achieve competitiveness.
• Implements sound macroeconomic policies and reliable infrastructural development.
• Ensures quality education and effective utilization of domestic resources.
• Enhances productivity and strengthens capacity to respond to external changes.
• Ensures security and a favorable environment for investors.

Effectiveness of the Government in Economic Development

Successes

In the 1980s, the Tanzanian government adopted trade liberalization policies, leading to:

• A boom in commercial activities.
• Increased investments from local and foreign entities.
• Significant expansion of the commercial sector.

Areas of Ineffectiveness

Despite successes, there are several areas where the government has been ineffective:

• Weak Contracts: Signing unfavorable contracts with investors, particularly in mining and railway privatization.
• Poor Tax Collection: Loss of revenue due to tax exemptions and avoidance.
• Inflation Control: Inability to manage inflation caused by external shocks, such as global oil prices and extreme weather conditions.
• Transport System: Traffic jams and poor city planning hinder economic development.
• Power Supply: Failure to utilize natural resources for reliable power supply, affecting industrial production.
• Governance and Accountability: Rampant corruption hinders economic progress.
• Foreign Aid Dependence: Reliance on foreign aid, which can be unreliable, affecting budget planning.

The Role of the Private Sector in Economic Development

Introduction

The private sector, operating under government policies but owned privately, aims at profit maximization. It consists of the formal and informal sectors.

Formal Sector

Characteristics

• Includes jobs with regular hours and wages.
• Recognized for income tax purposes.
• Comprises legally established businesses following government regulations.

Importance

• Provides employment opportunities.
• Mobilizes foreign aid and investment.
• Increases national income through taxes.
• Generates foreign exchange and capital.
• Encourages competition, leading to better quality goods and services.
• Supports disaster-affected individuals.

Informal Sector

Characteristics

• Not regulated by labor or taxation laws.
• Includes survival activities and unofficial earning strategies.
• Comprises self-employed individuals, often in unrecognized jobs.

Importance

• Provides jobs and reduces unemployment.
• Generates income and alleviates poverty.
• Encourages entrepreneurial activity.
• Facilitates local commodity distribution.
• Contributes to local government income.

Problems

• Low pay and job insecurity.
• Lack of proper business locations.
• Transportation challenges.
• Hygiene issues in business operations.
• Limited capital for business expansion.
• Absence of warehousing facilities.
• Low education levels hindering creativity.
• Lack of recognition and institutional support.
• No fringe benefits or trade union representation.

Improving the Informal Sector

The government can improve the informal sector by:

• Registering business owners.
• Designating proper business locations.
• Educating individuals on business operations and cooperation.
• Ensuring regular health inspections and education.

In conclusion, while the government has a significant role in driving economic development, there are areas needing improvement, particularly in governance, infrastructure, and resource management. The private sector, both formal and informal, also plays a vital role in economic growth, and its enhancement can lead to broader economic benefits.

Social Development and Social Services

Introduction

Social development is the process of improving the welfare of people within a community. It encompasses social, cultural, and political aspects, aiming to enhance living standards, reduce poverty and unemployment, and decrease inequalities. This long-term process requires balanced diet, good shelter, healthcare, and vital services like banking, insurance, loans, and social security to support production and stimulate economic growth.

Meaning of Social Development and Social Services

Social Development

Social development is the enhancement of people’s living standards and economic opportunities, reducing poverty and unemployment. It involves enabling investments in profitable ventures and widening trading opportunities to reduce inequalities.

Social Services

Social services are consumption-based services provided by both government and private sectors, including:

• Education
• Housing
• Insurance
• Health
• Pension schemes
• Cultural affairs, sports, games, and entertainment

These services provide satisfaction and support to individuals and communities.

Interrelationship

Social development and social services are closely related. The third President of Tanzania, Benjamin William Mkapa, described them as:

• Social Hardware Infrastructure: Services directly improving production, such as transportation, communication, and water supplies for agriculture.
• Social Software Infrastructure: Services aiding other services, like banking.

Different Social Services Provided in Tanzania

Education Sector

The United Republic of Tanzania acknowledges that quality education is fundamental to national development. Education provides skilled manpower for various sectors and helps build a strong, competitive economy capable of adapting to market and technological changes.

As of 2011, the formal education and training system in Tanzania includes:

• 2 years of pre-primary education
• 7 years of primary education
• 4 years of junior secondary (ordinary level) education
• 2 years of senior secondary (advanced level) education
• Up to 3 or more years of tertiary education

Structure of the Education System

1. Basic Level:

• Pre-primary education
• Primary education
• Non-formal adult education

1. Secondary Level:

• Ordinary education (junior secondary)
• Advanced education (senior secondary)

1. Tertiary Level:

• Programs and courses offered by non-higher and higher education institutions

Conclusion

Social development is vital for improving living standards and economic opportunities, supported by essential social services provided by both government and private sectors. Education, as a key social service, plays a crucial role in national development by creating a skilled workforce and fostering a competitive economy.

The Current Education System in Tanzania

Introduction

The United Republic of Tanzania has a primary goal of eradicating poverty under the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 and the Poverty Reduction Strategy 2015. Education is a key priority in achieving this goal.

Educational Initiatives

Primary Education Development Plan (PEDP)

The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) developed the Primary Education Development Plan (PEDP) for 2002-2006, aiming for Universal Primary Education (UPE) by enrolling all school-age children (7-13 years old) by 2006. Key components include:

• Enrollment expansion
• Quality improvement
• Capacity building
• Institutional arrangements
• Finance and resource allocation

Adult and Non-formal Education Strategy (ANEIP)

The ANEIP (2003/04 – 2007/08) aims to provide education to those who missed basic education through non-formal education centers. The strategy includes:

• Complementary Basic Education in Tanzania (COBET)
• Integrated Community Based Adult Education (ICBAE)

The plan targets enrolling 3.5 million adults and nearly a million out-of-school children and youth.

Secondary Education

Secondary education does not absorb all primary school-leavers. In 2002, only 21.7% of 497,688 Standard VII pupils were admitted to secondary education. The age range for ordinary level secondary schools is 14-17 years and for advanced level, 18-19 years.

Gender Disparity

Although initial enrollment is nearly equal between girls and boys, fewer girls complete primary and secondary education. Factors include gender relations, early pregnancy, and parental preference for boys’ education.

Accessibility, Quality, Efficiency, and Distribution of Education Services

Education Sector Reforms

The Education and Training Policy and the National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (NSGRP) emphasize:

• Growth and reduction of income poverty
• Improvement of quality of life and social well-being
• Governance accountability

Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT)

MoEVT sets policies based on accessibility, equality, and efficiency, aiming to:

• Improve education standards
• Systematize school syllabi
• Oversee implementation
• Arrange examination formats
• Distribute school necessities
• Promote national culture

Community Involvement

Since 1995, communities have significantly contributed to establishing primary and secondary schools, with 90% being community-owned. The central government supports these efforts by providing teaching materials, books, and teachers.

Achievements in Education

• Increased enrollment: Primary school enrollment rose from 90.5% in 2004 to 99% in 2010.
• Support for disadvantaged children: Enrollment of orphans and disadvantaged children increased from 2% in 2000 to 30% in 2010.
• Secondary education access: By 2010, at least 50% of 14-17-year-olds were enrolled in ordinary level secondary schools, and 25% in advanced level.
• ICT introduction: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) studies were introduced in primary and secondary schools.

Challenges in Education

Despite achievements, several challenges remain:

• Poor resource allocation: Inadequate laboratories, libraries, and teaching materials.
• Lack of qualified teachers: Insufficient number of teachers and low salaries.
• Infrastructure issues: Lack of classrooms, desks, offices, toilets, and teacher housing.
• Transportation problems: Difficulties for students and teachers traveling to schools.
• In-service training: Lack of ongoing training for teachers.

Activity

Suggest possible measures to address challenges facing the education sector in Tanzania.

Health Sector

For nearly fifty years, health services in Tanzania have primarily been provided by the government. After independence, health care facilities were redirected towards rural areas, and free medical services were introduced. The Private Hospitals Regulation Act of 1977 initially banned private health services for profit, but amendments in 1991 allowed individual qualified medical practitioners and dentists to manage private hospitals.

National Health Policy

The National Health Policy, introduced in the early 1970s, aimed to provide comprehensive basic health services equitably. Emphasis was on health promotion and disease prevention. Policies require citizens to share the costs of services provided.

Objectives of Health Services

• Reduce diseases and death: Focus on special groups like children under five.
• Primary health care: Ensure availability and efficiency.
• Disease prevention and control: Target communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Public health education: Raise awareness of preventable diseases.
• Collaboration: Encourage cooperation among public, private, religious, and non-governmental organizations.
• Professional health worker education: Increase the number of trained health workers.
• Infrastructure rehabilitation: Address needs of the disabled.
• Policy evaluation: Review health policies, laws, and standards.

Primary Health Care (PHC) Approach

Following the Alma Ata Declaration of 1978, the PHC approach was adopted to achieve “Health for all by the year 2000”. This approach ensures universal access to essential health care at an affordable cost.

Public Health Education

Public health education focuses on preventing and controlling prevailing health problems. Methods include:

• Mass media
• Health education materials
• Community dialogue

Environmental Health and Hygiene

Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for health. Pollution from economic activities, like industrial waste, can cause diseases. Environmental health efforts include:

• Proper maintenance of land, plants, air, and water
• Pollution control

Health Services Structure

The health system follows a pyramidal referral pattern:

1. Village Health Service: Preventive services at home.
2. Dispensaries: Cater to 6,000-10,000 people, supervising village health posts.
3. Health Centers: Serve 50,000 people.
4. District Hospitals: Serve 250,000 people.
5. Referral Hospitals: Four national referral hospitals cater to different zones.

Activity

Find out the names of:

• The district hospital in your area.
• The regional hospital in your area.

The Role of Government in the Provision of Social Services

Introduction

It is the duty of the government to promote the welfare of its people. In Tanzania, the government is making significant efforts to improve the provision of social services. Several economic and social sector reforms and policies have been implemented to achieve this goal. For instance, the Primary Health Service Development Plan aims to address the problem of human resource shortages through increased funding and optimal staff utilization.

Meaning of Social Development and Social Services

Social development involves the improvement of the well-being of every individual in society so they can reach their full potential. Social services refer to a range of public services provided by the government, private, and non-profit organizations aimed at creating more effective organizations, building stronger communities, and promoting equality and opportunity.

National Health Policy of 2007

The vision of the National Health Policy of 2007 is to have a healthy community that contributes effectively to individual development and the country as a whole. The mission is to facilitate the provision of basic health services that are proportional, equitable, of high quality, affordable, sustainable, and gender-sensitive.

Government’s Role in the Provision of Social Services

The government plays a vital role in the provision of social services, which include health, education, and water services. Some of the key roles of the government include:

1. Making policies that support private and non-governmental institutions in providing social services.
2. Constructing and maintaining the transportation system.
3. Distributing teaching and learning materials to schools.
4. Distributing essential facilities to hospitals and other health service areas.
5. Educating Tanzanians on environmental preservation to prevent water pollution.
6. Training necessary personnel, such as teachers, water experts, engineers, doctors, and nurses.
7. Educating citizens on the responsible use of social services.

Appraising the Government’s Role in Tanzania

The government of Tanzania has made considerable efforts to ensure effective access to functioning and well-equipped social services, which is crucial for improving the quality of life. Some examples of these efforts include:

• Water Supply Projects: Projects like the Kahama, Shinyanga Water Supply Project from Lake Victoria and the Chalinze Water Supply Project have aimed to improve water access in rural and urban areas.
• Education: Since independence, the government has focused on addressing the shortage of skilled manpower through initiatives like Universal Primary Education (UPE) and the Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP).
• Health: The government has implemented the Child Health Strategic Plan and the Road Map Strategic Plan to reduce maternal, newborn, and child deaths. Additionally, it provides free primary education and loans to higher education students through the Higher Education Students Loan Board (HESLB).

The Role of the Private Sector in Social Services

The Tanzanian government recognizes the importance of effective partnerships with the private sector in providing social services, including education, health, water, electricity, communication, and transportation. Various private entities, such as religious groups, community-based organizations, individual-owned institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private companies, have significantly contributed to improving the quality of life for Tanzanians.

Contributions of the Private Sector

• Education: Private institutions have established numerous schools and colleges, benefiting many Tanzanians. Examples include St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) and Tumaini University.
• Health: Private hospitals like Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre and Shia Ithnashery Hospital provide essential health services.
• Communication: Private companies such as Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo have enhanced communication services.
• Transport: Private transport companies like Precision Air and Dar Express Bus Services offer vital transportation services.
• Water: Companies like Kili Water and Aqua Drilling Company provide clean and safe water services.

Challenges Facing Social Services Provision

Despite significant progress, several challenges hinder the provision of social services in Tanzania:

1. Financial constraints in both government and private institutions.
2. Poor living conditions in rural areas leading to urban migration and overburdened urban services.
3. Insufficient water supply in both rural and urban areas.
4. Inadequate transportation systems in remote areas.
5. Destruction and theft of public and private infrastructure.
6. High costs of services, making them unaffordable for many Tanzanians.
7. Corruption affecting the quality of social services.

Solutions to the Challenges

To address these challenges, several recommendations can be made:

1. Create an enabling environment for increased private sector involvement, including incentives and legal recognition.
2. Educate communities on the importance of private sector participation in social services provision.
3. Allocate sufficient budget for social services such as education, water, health, and infrastructure.
4. Educate the public on maintaining public social services.
5. Improve infrastructure to enhance living standards.
6. Encourage community-based organizations to fund and run their own social services.
7. Set a conducive environment for investments in social services in rural areas.
8. Implement strict measures against environmental destruction.

Conclusion

Both the government and the private sector play crucial roles in the provision of social services in Tanzania. While there have been successes, particularly in education and health, challenges such as financial constraints, urban migration, and infrastructure issues persist. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure equitable and sustainable social services for all Tanzanians.

Activity 9

Identify the challenges facing secondary schools in Tanzania and suggest possible solutions.

Activity 10

Discuss the setbacks facing the private sector in providing social services and propose measures to alleviate these setbacks.

Activity 11

Analyze the unequal distribution of social services in Tanzania.

Exercise 1

Passage

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The quality of health services in Tanzania has currently been improved. Better curative and preventive health services are offered. There are now better and advanced medical equipment in the regional and referral hospitals than the way the situation was in the past. The medical personnel are more equipped.

At the preventive level, the government has improved nutrition, environmental health, reproductive health, and control of infectious diseases like HIV and AIDS, cholera, leprosy, and diarrhea.

The accessibility of Tanzanians to medical services is better than in previous days. This is due to the improvement and expansion of the transport system in different parts of the country. In addition, more government and private health facilities have been built in different areas of the country.

Despite the various measures taken by the government to improve health services, the distribution of quality health services in Tanzania is very poor. Most of the health centers that provide better services are still concentrated in towns and cities. The health centers in rural areas are facing problems of inadequate medicine and medical personnel.

Questions

1. Suggest a possible title for this passage.
2. From your experience, suggest any two possible ways of preventing cholera.
3. Mention two referral hospitals in Tanzania which you know.
4. According to the passage, what are the criteria for measuring the quality of health services?
5. What are the possible causes of the difference in the quality of health services between urban and rural areas?

Section B

Answer the following questions

1. What is social development?
2. Briefly explain the four social services provided by the Tanzanian government to her people.
3. Outline any four challenges facing the education sector in Tanzania.

Suggested Answers

Exercise 2

1. Suggest a possible title for this passage.

• “Improvement and Challenges in Tanzania’s Health Services”

1. From your experience, suggest any two possible ways of preventing cholera.

• Ensuring access to clean drinking water.
• Promoting good sanitation and hygiene practices.

1. Mention two referral hospitals in Tanzania which you know.

• Muhimbili National Hospital
• Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC)

1. According to the passage, what are the criteria for measuring the quality of health services?

• Availability of better and advanced medical equipment.
• Well-equipped medical personnel.
• Improved nutrition, environmental health, reproductive health, and control of infectious diseases.
• Accessibility to medical services.

1. What are the possible causes of the difference in the quality of health services between urban and rural areas?

• Concentration of health centers providing better services in towns and cities.
• Inadequate medicine and medical personnel in rural areas.

Section B

1. What is social development?

• Social development involves the improvement of the well-being of every individual in society so they can reach their full potential.

1. Briefly explain the four social services provided by the Tanzanian government to her people.

• Health Services: Provision of preventive and curative health services, improving nutrition, environmental health, and controlling infectious diseases.
• Education: Providing free primary education, loans for higher education, and implementing development programs like the Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP).
• Water Supply: Implementing water projects to increase access to clean and safe water.
• Transportation: Improving and expanding the transportation system to enhance accessibility to various services.

1. Outline any four challenges facing the education sector in Tanzania.

• Inadequate number of qualified teachers.
• Insufficient teaching and learning materials.
• Overcrowded classrooms.
• Lack of infrastructure, such as proper school buildings and sanitation facilities.