Objective

The overall objective of this project is to conduct a reconnaissance survey country wide, mainly regions along the border and those either harboring or along strategic national infrastructure projects to identify strategic areas suitable for Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and thereafter develop a National SEZ Development Master plan. Also to prepare a SEZ development guideline, SEZ development strategy, implementation plan and Monitoring and Evaluation plan. The National SEZ Development Master Plan shall consider the Gateway Concept and inter-Africa corridor concept that brings about linkages among the planned SEZs with other national infrastructure projects in the country as follows;-

• Linkage between domestic and international logistics sector and industrial sector (Ports and Airports linkage to markets);
• Linkage among domestic industries (Supply chain);
• Linkage between regional resources and industrial development;
• Linkage between SEZ and mega National Projects such as SGR, and JNHHP;
• Linkages with other aid to trade infrastructures such as Ports, Railways such as TAZARA, Highways and the likes; and
• Linkage between development corridors such as Mtwara development corridor, Central development corridor, northern development corridor etc.

This is the modern Library helps internal and external researchers to seek for relevant literatures. The modern physical library is open to the public during weekdays from Monday to Friday from 08:00am to 5:00pm. The library support researchers, policy analysts, students and the general public in accessing information. In 2013, the library went through a modernization phase by starting to provide free access of electronic resources from major providers of electronic resources including Consortium of Tanzania Universities and Research Libraries (COTUL) and the British Library Development (BLD).

OPAC

This is an ultra modern content production studio which tries to address problems of contents availability faced by community radios and televisions in the Country. Under the auspices of Capacity Development for Results-Based Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing (CD-RBD), funded by UNDP in 2014, the Department established Maendeleo Studio that produces TV and radio programmes targeting community radios.  Some Work Produced from the studio

This is an online Television which helps to disseminate knowledge and other contents resulting from our work at ESRF as well as from our collaborating partners. Knowledge TV can be accessed at http://www.maarifatv.or.tz

Tanzania Knowledge Network (TAKNET) is a joint initiative by the United Nations through its Joint Program on Capacity Development for Development Management under one UN initiative, The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and The Economic and Social Research Foundation. The network is established to promote sharing knowledge and information on various aspects of social and economic development and stimulate discussions by informed individuals on current development issues. TAKNET organizes thematic and topical discussions focusing on issues of national interest. These discussions by informed and experts result in valuable consensus building on policy and issues of concern to Tanzanian society.

Summary of discussions covering the outcome of a particular topic are produced by moderators with policy recommendations and statements of best practice, which are shared with the policy makers and the public in general. TAKNET can be accessed at http://www.taknet.or.tz

Tanzania Online is a gateway to information on development issues in Tanzania. It is an initiative to address problems faced by Government officials, policy makers, private sector, civil society, donor community, researchers and academicians accessing information on development issues in Tanzania. Initial funding of the initiative was provided by the UN System (through a Swedish Grant) and the Tanzanian Government. ESRF was selected to implement it.

The objective of Tanzania online is to provide an interactive facility for easy access to a comprehensive set of documents about development in Tanzania, analytic work about priorities in development and progress towards poverty reduction and other development targets.

Tanzania Online has improved access and exchange of information among and between key government institutions, the public, donor community, private sector, civil society, researchers and academicians. Tanzania Online database includes analytic documents concerning development in Tanzania, work about priorities in development, progress towards poverty reduction and other sector reform developments. Tanzania Online can be accessed at http://www.tzonline.org

In response to the call made by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania Hon. Kassim Majaliwa that every region in Tanzania should have an Investment Guide, the Department provided technical support for developing regional investment guides to 25 regions from 2017 to December 2020. Specifically the Department developed Regional investment guides for Simiyu, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Mara, Kigoma, Geita, Manyara, Dodoma, Pwani, Lindi, Mtwara, Ruvuma, Kagera, Tabora, Shinyanga, Singida, Arusha, Mbeya, Iringa, Njombe, Rukwa, Songwe, Katavi, Tanga, and Dar-es-salaam regions. These investment guides provide investment information to prospective local and foreign firms, and individuals for the aim of attracting them to invest in the respective regions in order to stimulate both business and enterprise development and growth. In addition, the investment guides are intended to enhance regions’ competitiveness in areas where they have strengths as well as in emerging economic areas. The current focus is on the implementation of these guides.

Reports

Mainstreaming Poverty Environment Gender & Climate Change Project aimed to strengthen existing planning, budgeting and monitoring from national level to ward level by stimulating Local Participation of key stakeholders through Local Economic Development (LED) in areas of Poverty-Environment Initiative. The project focused on enhancing the capability of Central and  Local Government Authority to mainstream poverty-environment, gender linkages and climate change into national and sub-national development planning in Tanzania. This was in line with the national frameworks such as the National Development Vision 2025 and the Second Five Years Development Plan 2016/17-2020/21 (FYDP II) focusing on promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth which will ultimately alleviate absolute poverty. Under this project, the Department implemented the following:

• Supported Iringa Municipal Council and Iringa District Council to build school toilets. The toilets were essential in improving sanitary situation among students in the schools where the toilets were constructed.
• Undertook Lake Victoria Zone Tourism Gap Assessment which aimed at identifying challenges/gaps that constrain the unlocking of tourism potentials in the Lake Zone regions of Mara, Mwanza, Kagera, Geita and Simiyu and subsequent recommended strategic actions to address the challenges/gaps.
• Supported Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) to undertake a study on adoption and consequences of new light – fishing technology for Dagaa fishery in Lake Victoria. The findings will inform the government on fishery management policies and provide an opportunity for scaling up the technology.
• Conducted Rapid Needs Assessment on potentials for using Dams and Valley in irrigation,  aquaculture and livestock keeping in Geita Region. The assessment was based on three projects, namely, Ibanda rain fed paddy, Kasamwa Multipurpose dam and Kanyala water supply in Geita Town Council to provide an understanding on how effectively livelihoods-related activities are implemented by smallholders, and how they practically contributed to their livelihoods. The aim is to ensure a proper governance of the valley, dam and water supply in the areas.
• Conducted three assessment to support SUMA-JKT/Rwamkoma & JWTZ Makoko – Musoma initiatives in fish-farming and agribusiness for Youth. Three reports were produced: Needs Assessment for JKT-Rwamkoma Farm as a Model for Technology and Innovations in Agribusiness – Enhancing its Capability as a Demonstration Camp to Support Communities in Butiama District and Army Graduates; Rapid Assessment for Suma-JKT/Rwamkoma & JWTZ Makoko-Musoma Initiatives in Fish Farming; and needs assessment for Baraki Farm as a Model for Technology and Innovations in Agribusiness.
• Supported Simiyu Region to rehabilitate Nyakabindi Ground for Nanenane Exhibition. The exhibition cuts across all extensive agriculture sub-sectors including crop, livestock, and fisheries. In 2019, national exhibition took place in Simiyu Region from 1^st of August to 8^th of August.
• ESRF in collaboration with the Regions in Lake Zone (Mwanza, Simiyu, Geita, Kagera and Mara) also developed a Strategic Plan and related Tourism Action Plan for Tourism Development in Lake Zone and documented key tourism attractions in the Lake Zone to make a “Tourism Promotional Documentary”. These aim at attracting tourists to visit Lake Zone and attract investors to explore investment potentials in tourism sector based on the investment guides developed.
• Innovation Week 2020. Innovation Week is a free platform which hosts a week-long series of events and exhibitions in Tanzania, curate by the Human Development Innovation Fund (HDIF), Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH), in partnership with other innovation stakeholders including ESRF, and with support from various stakeholders including UNDP. Innovation Week 2020 (IW2020) was the sixth edition since the week was first launched in 2015. The Innovation Week was instituted as a way of providing means to connecting the innovation ecosystem players in Tanzania to learn from each other, showcase their innovations and connect with potential partners. The whole purpose was to create a platform for promoting innovation for sustainable development.
• Rapid Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of COVID-19 in Tanzania. The study assessed the likely socio-economic impacts of COVID 19 for the immediate and near-term macro outlook as well as on livelihoods at individual and household level. The report assessed the transmission of economic impact through six key sectors assumed to face the highest risks as a result of the pandemic. These are: tourism and hospitality industry, transportation and storage industry, agriculture (crops, livestock and fisheries), wholesale and retail trade, finance and insurance, and social sector (health and education). The analysis, based on historical data and most current information on the sector’s performance assuming three scenarios: best case scenario where the current situation is maintained; moderate scenario where there is some modest escalation in infections and consequently in aversive reactions to the pandemic; and worst-case scenarios the situation deteriorates further for an extended period of time. The study focused on risks associated under each scenario to the respective sectors and the welfare effects on the most vulnerable segments of the society. In some cases there was attempt to quantify the associated risks, the major part of the analysis was qualitative based on logical sequencing of events happening in the assessed sectors. In a nutshell the assessment shows that, even under a ‘limited or slow virus spread scenario’ there will still be severe shocks in the hospitality industry, exporters of manufactured and agricultural goods, transport and logistics, as well as the financial sector.

Mobile Kilimo (M-KILIMO) is an Interactive mobile agriculture platform that improves communication between Agricultural extension officers and farmers in the rural areas through Mobile Phone. Farmers, fishermen, breeders and business people once registered for the service can meet online and do business. The Platform was piloted in Kiwangwa, Bagamoyo and launched for the first time in Bunda District on June 2014. M-KILIMO later operated in other districts which are Ileje and Kilosa Districts.

In 2018 – 2021, M-KILIOMO was redesigned to help farmers, livestock keepers and businessmen to access markets and extension services nationally through the use of mobile phones. The platform has two components. The first component is intended to help farmers, livestock keepers, fishermen and businessmen to access markets through the use of mobile phones. This enables producers and buyers to reach the markets without transporting the products to the market. Through this technology, farmers, livestock keepers and fishermen are now able to provide information on products, prices and their location so that buyers can locate and reach them easily. This will further open and connect more retailers and consumers in the country and reduce the cost of access to agricultural products.

The second component of the Mobile Kilimo System provides extension services to farmers, livestock keepers and fishermen by connecting them electronically with extension officers in their proximity (in the same village), Ward level, District level, and finally the National level. Registered users are now able to receive extension services and interact with extension officers in their vicinity by use of mobile phones. These services are particularly important especially during the current COVID-19 because it minimizes physical interaction. M-KILIMO can be accessed at http://exts.kilimo.go.tz/

The department is developing Strategic Tourism Plan for the Ruvuma Region with funding from WWF. The purpose of this work is to achieve the objectives of transforming and presenting Ruvuma region as a tourism destination, both locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. The Plan clearly documents the tourist attractions as well as potential areas that are less known and developed ideas of connections and packages that would allow visitors to enjoy a number of different experiences. The consultations were done in all five districts of Ruvuma region namely, Songea, Tunduru, Namtumbo, Mbinga and Nyasa.

The Rapid Response Implementation Support (RARIS) to the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and other Agricultural Sector Lead Ministries (ASLMs) aims at supporting the Ministry of Agriculture and other Agricultural Sector Lead Ministries (ASLMs) to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDP II) and their other immediate mandates related to the achievement of agricultural sector. RARIS is a three years (2018-2021) project supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the fund is managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Implementing Partner is the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) whereas the Responsible Party to RARIS Project is the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF).

Expected outcomes of the project are: (i) enhanced performance and analytics of the sector (ii) efficient and effective decision making and problem-solving capacity by the ministries (iii) focused and prioritized financing framework for the ASDP II (iv) improved stocking and logistics management systems and (v) strengthened relationship, partnerships, synergies and collaboration among key stakeholders. The main areas/output of the project are; Support Policy and Regulatory Reviews Problem Solving and Analytics; Value Chain Agro-Processing, Stocking and Logistics Management; Stakeholder Engagement, Partnerships and Communication; and enhance Investment and Business Opportunities, Performance Management, Knowledge Management and Innovation, and Mind Set Change to Managers in the Ministry and related institutions. Some of the activities implemented under this project include:

1. Online/Mobile based Market Platforms and Electronic Extension Services (Mobile Kilimo). Mobile Kilimo (M-Kilimo) is an electronic system (mobile technology platform) designed to help farmers, livestock keepers and businessmen to access markets and extension services through the use of mobile phones in Tanzania.
2. Real Time Information Dashboard.  This was developed for the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Agricultural Sector Lead Ministries (ASLMs). The Dashboard is an Agricultural Management Information System capable of managing official data originating from a variety of national and external sources. The system is able to display official data through a dashboard that generate charts, tables and maps displaying relevant agricultural information. The Dashboard helps the MoA, ASLMs and other stakeholders to make timely decisions on food and agriculture.
3. Farmers Registration System (FRS). This is an electronic database of farmers in Tanzania. The system covers all farmers served by the crop boards. The Ministry uses information from FRS to plan and make key decisions.
4. Stocking and Logistics System. The Department designed and developed a Warehouse Management System which helps the Government and private sector to know the amount of cereals available at any point of time and overcome the challenges of making policy decisions on cereals trade like export ban.
5. Agribusiness Capacity Building: Capacity Building to Youth and Women through Online/Digital Content and Facilitation Services to youth on markets; financial services linkages; and horticulture technology. This is through online training – recordings of power point presentations (slides), videos, CDs and YouTube.
6. Status and Implementation Performance of the National Irrigation Commission (NIRC) in Tanzania: The overall objective of this study was to assess performance of the National Irrigation Commission (NIRC) as established by the ACT of Parliament, (which is also an instrument for resource mobilization to finance irrigation projects in Tanzania), and propose strategic interventions which will enable the Government improve performance of irrigation services in the country.
7. Cashew nuts Marketing Model in Tanzania: This study was intended to review the cashew nuts value chain i.e. production, processing and marketing of cashew nuts in Tanzania; and propose a Marketing Model for Cashew nuts in the country.
8. Implications of the new EU Agricultural Organic Import Regulations on Tanzanian Economy and Prioritized Investment Opportunities: The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of the new EU organic import regulations on the Tanzanian organic agriculture and the economy at large.
9. Improving Business Environment in Agriculture (IBEA): Overall, this study was meant to interpret and customize regulatory issues identified in the BLUEPRINT regulatory reforms to improve the business environment, and identify some results or achievements in the agriculture sector.
10. Performance of Tanzania on the 2016-2017 Biennial Review Report on Implementation of CAADP-Malabo Declaration: The Main Objective of the study is to assess the score cards definition and methodology used in assessing country performance with a view to providing an informed opinion on the findings of the report and Tanzania’s perception about the off-track performance.
11. A Study on Warehouse Stocking and Logistics: A study on Warehouses Stocking and Logistics was intended to assess and understand operation and performance of warehouse system in Tanzania. This study revealed that the Warehouse Receipt Regulatory Board (WRRB) is directly responsible for only 185 warehouses out of 3,430 warehouses (approximately 5.4 percent) under the warehouse receipt system Act, which is legally licensed. Note that, the Warehouse Receipt Act No.10 of 2005 doesn’t provide any legal instruments for the Board to oversee operations of unlicensed warehouses. Most of the warehouses operators are therefore not accountable to the Government. This situation makes it impossible for the Government to hold responsible about 85% of the warehouse owners. In other words, the government cannot access any information on stocks and stock flows from private warehouses.
12. Review of the Fertilizer Bulk Procurement System (FBPS): This study was intended to undertake a review of the FBPS and assess its performance.
13. Avocado Value Chain Analysis in Tanzania: This study was intended to address challenges facing avocado sub-sector including policies, production and harvesting as well as challenges facing avocado value chain in order to improve performance of the avocado industry in Tanzania.
14. Productivity Performance of Cassava in Tanzania: Constraints and Opportunities: This study was intended to investigate on the productivity performance of cassava in Tanzania.
15. Improving access to and use of improved seeds by smallholder farmers in Tanzania: The overall objective of this study was to generate seed information that could contribute to proper policy decisions regarding enhanced availability, access and use of improved seeds for increased productivity and profitability among smallholder farmers in Tanzania.
16. The National Crop Insurance Scheme and Guidelines: The Department supported formulation of the National Crop Insurance Scheme (and its Guidelines) which was launched in August 2019 during Nane-Nane Exhibition in Simiyu Region. The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) mobilized Private Insurance Companies to engage famers and sensitize them to use crop insurance services to cover risks and uncertainties prevalent in agriculture.
17. Translation of ASDP II document: This involved translating ASDP II document into Kiswahili for stakeholders at both national and local government level to access and read the programme. It helps make them understand that they are actually key actors and implementers of ASDP II. They now know their role in making ASDPII achieve its priority objectives. This enhanced coordination, ownership and strengthened confidence among the farming communities or actors at lower grass-root level in the country.
18. Programme Implementation Manual (PIM): It is a document which associates the ASDP II development objectives on one side and key actors (stakeholders) and institutions on the other side. The institutional framework and programme implementation involves the programme coordination team and the programme decision making organs. Within PIM there are also the programme implementation plan, procurement framework, programme financing plan, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation framework. PIM is generally meant to provide guidelines on ASDPII coordination as well as how to implement and manage ASDPII, which is necessary for effective implementation of the programme.
19. Resource Mobilization Strategy and Financing Plan (RMSFP): This intends to ensure that there is sustainable and adequate resources available for implementation of first phase of ASDP II (2017/18 – 2022/23) and addresses how best to obtain the necessary resources. A successful strategy ensures that the resources necessary for ASLMs to deliver on their mandate are predictable.
20. ASDP II Communication Strategy (ACS): ACS has been developed to guide the ASDPII program. ACS sets the tone and direction so that all communication activities, products and materials work in harmony to achieve the desired change. It enables actors (stakeholders) and partners to also provide input and agree upon the best way forward so that actions are refined and unified. This is a map where stakeholders can make reference in relation to ASDPII implementation progress, which is an important vehicle towards an improved ASDPII coordination.
21. Improving Availability of, and Access to Information on Stocking and Logistics in Tanzania: This study was intended to design an integrated stock management system that can relay real-time information to the Government on sensitive commodity stocks held in warehouses. An electronic system was also designed to enable individuals to apply for license to own warehouses.  
22. Cashew nuts Value Chan in Tanzania: This study was intended to review the cashew nuts value chain i.e. production, processing and marketing of cashew nuts in Tanzania; and propose a Marketing Model for Cashew nuts in the country.
23. The forum of all dealers of cereal crops along the value chain: In September 2019 RARIS supported a forum where the Hon Minister of Agriculture chaired a 2 days meeting with dealers along the cereals value chain (traders, transporters, owners of warehouses, exporters etc) to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the cereals sub sector. Out of this forum, a Cereals’ Dealers Association (Network) in Tanzania was established.
24. Other Engagements with Senior Government Executives (Policy Makers): This programme has inculcated the culture of engagement with decision makers, and hence improving the research – policy linkage. RARIS through ESRF has been engaging decision makers at the Ministry of Agriculture to share results of different analytical studies undertaken under RARIS programme and enable them inform policy as well as decision making.
25. Land Bill (to enable MoA own Agricultural Land): The Department supported two forums where MoA invited key stakeholders including some from the Ministry of Lands and legal experts to discuss and draft a Government Circular for submission to the Cabinet Secretariat. The discussion and therefore the circular was intended to advise the Government approve the MoA request to amend the Land Law so that it also points out clearly that there will be agricultural land which will be used for agriculture alone.  The circular to amend the land law has already been submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat for discussion and approval)
26. Consultative meeting between National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and MOA: The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the reasons for a drastic change of agriculture growth rate from 4% to 7% and understand more about drivers of agricultural growth in Tanzania. The consensus was eventually reached between NBS and Actors in the agriculture sector on the calculations of the new rate of growth. The main reason which led to an increase of agricultural growth rate is a re-base where the base year was changed from 2007 to 2015.
27. A survey of all Farms under National Agriculture and Food Corporation (NAFCO): This survey was motivated by the fact that almost all farms under NAFCO are currently idle and not used since the close down of NAFCO. This survey was therefore intended to establish status of these farms and advise the government accordingly so that they are utilized preferably by private sector actors who are in great need of farm land. The Government Circular was therefore prepared in a forum organized by MoA and supported by RARIS to discuss the findings of the survey. This circular has been submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat for discussion approval of the recommendations.
28. Review of the National Agricultural Policy (NAP 2013): The 2013 National Agricultural Policy (NAP 2013) has been reviewed. The review process entailed 4 different stakeholders’ consultative workshops and a number of consultations with individual senior and top government executives (policy makers) to collect their views on the content of a revised policy. The draft new policy was submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat who has shared their comments and views with MoA. The Ministry of Agriculture and other Agricultural Sector Lead Ministries (ASLMs) are currently working on the comments.
29. MoA and ASLMs Capacity Needs Assessment: This study was meant to carry out a needs assessment on the capacity of the MoA and other ASLMs to manage, monitor, and track implementation of the ASDP II and the Blueprint for improving the Business Environment in Tanzania. The findings from this study which mainly outline capacity gaps were used to design a training programme intended to build capacity of MoA and other ASLMS officials. The coaching and training is aimed at ensuring that the officials tasked with delivering the ASDP II and Blueprint implementation are adequately equipped.

YEEVACE Project was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2018 – 2019 whereby the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC) was the Implementing Partner and the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) was the Responsible Party. The outputs from the project fed into Project Initiation Plan (PIP) aiming to develop a full Project Document (PRODOC) for UNDP. The project has four key result areas from which ESRF generated an analytical evidence and data to inform PRODOC formulation; formulate Business Development Services (BDS) framework for LGA’s resource mobilization; and support youth platforms to engage in value chain ecosystems frameworks development for adoption of nature-based enterprises and economic productivity. Some of the activities undertaken include the following:

• Mapping of the Various Economic Empowerment Actors

ESRF mapped various economic empowerment actors in Tanzania Mainland. This is important to the National Economic Empowerment Council in having a baseline database of stakeholders that provide support to citizens that eventually can lead to economic empowerment along the value chain of socio-economic emancipation: capacity building/trainings, providing linkages with service providers, helping to identify technologies and markets for goods; etc.

•  Mapping & Profile Youth Networks and Platforms

ESRF mapped & profiled youth networks and platforms in Tanzania Mainland. This helped the National Economic Empowerment Council to have a baseline database of youth groups and youth networks engaged in economic undertakings. The primary objective of creating the database will be to have a clear understanding of the type of youth networks; where they can be found; and how the youth are organised and supported (besides the government) in different parts of the country. The secondary objectives are to understand what type of support they need to strengthen their engagements in whatever fields they specialize; enable government and other interested NSA design intervention programs for the youth; and type of further support needed for Local Government Authorities (LGAs) such as the Department of Community Development and Directorate of Youth Development.

• Development of NEEC Strategic Plan

ESRF assisted the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEE) in reviewing NEEC Strategic Plan 2013/14-2017/18 to determine how well it has been implemented (including what, when, where, and how activities were accomplished) and finally formulated the new Strategic Plan 2018/19-2022/23 with vision, mission and objectives which are achievable carrying the theme of industrialisation which is the focus fifth government regime.

• Facilitated Capacity Building on Youth Economic Empowerment in Ruvuma Region

The aim was to support Youth Platforms to engage in value chain ecosystems frameworks development for adoption of nature-based enterprises and economic productivity.

• Mapping Investment Opportunities at Village Level in Simiyu Region

This is meant to promote “One Village One Product (OVOP)” and provides investment information to prospective local and foreign investors, and attracts them to exploit investment potentials in Maswa District in order to stimulate both business and enterprise development and growth.

• Support Youth Groups in Central Corridor to Test Some Innovation and Technologies

ESRF in collaboration with Geita, Mwanza and Simiyu regional governments supported youth groups in the respective regions to test rice husk briquettes making machines and organic fertilizer boosters. These are alternative environmental friendly innovations which will minimize deforestation and conserve environment, at the same time stimulating youth entrepreneurship and consequently a decline in poverty.

• Support Youth Groups in Lake Zone with Easy Access to Water to Test and Utilize Solar Technologies for Irrigation

ESRF in collaboration with Busega district in Simiyu supported youth groups in Busega to test Solar Technologies for Irrigation. This project intends to help the youth to boost income and enhance revenues collection for the district. ESRF also supported provision of Electricity to Improve Water supply in Bunda to Nyatwali Farmers Group Project.

The Department conducted a National Governance and Corruption Survey which was commissioned by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). The broad objective of the survey was to conduct an in-depth governance and corruption survey for developing a well-established empirical base which will inform major institutional and policy reforms and interventions for curbing corruption. Four reports were developed namely (i) The Summary of the Major Findings, (ii) Public Officials’ Survey, (iii) Enterprise Survey and (iv) Households Survey.

The Project aimed at strengthening the existing national planning, budgeting, monitoring at national, sector and local level through key partnership with stakeholders involved in areas of Poverty and Environment Initiative. The project focuses more on Enhancing National and LGAs capabilities to mainstream and implement environmental sustainability, poverty reduction, and gender and climate change issues into development plans and develop better architecture for financial mechanisms in Tanzania. ESRF implemented the Pro-poor Economic Growth and Environmentally sustainable Development project in six districts, namely; Bukoba Rural, Bunda, Sengerema, Ikungi, Ileje and Nyasa.

The project was coordinated through the President’s Office, Planning Commission and supported jointly with UNDP and UNEP. ESRF under this project:

• Supported to identify and propose institutional, legal and investment reforms to overcome barriers national, sector and district level to improve districts

• Enhanced local and national capabilities to mainstream climate change and gender issues into local microfinance services
• Enhanced innovative financial mechanism to support Pro-Poor Economic Growth and Environmentally Sustainable Development: Poverty and Environment Initiative Component based solutions and services in selected districts
• Provided advisory support to localization of pro poor budgeting system at district level

• Conducted a Feasibility Study to Establish Textile Manufacturing Plant in Katavi Region commissioned by Mpanda Municipal Council in 2020.
• Proposal for Establishing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Industrial Park in Geita Region in 2019
• Feasibility Study/Business Plan For Fish Cages Project at Mwamanyili Village in Busega District Council in Simiyu .
• Business Plan on Tomato cultivation by Greenhouses and Tomato Processing Factory in Chato District in 2019.
• Business Plan for Chato Tomato Processing Factory in 2019
• A feasibility study on establishing Simiyu Business and Convention Centre at Nyakabimbi in 2019.
• Development of feasibility study on the establishment of Maswa Tanneries and Leather Products Factory in 2018.
• Development of Feasibility study for establishment of a salt processing factory in Meatu district – Simiyu region in 2019.
• Feasibility Study on Establishment of a Packaging Materials Manufacturing Factory in Maswa district, Simiyu region, Tanzania in 2018.
• Feasibility Study on Establishment of a Tomato and Chilli Processing Plant in Busega District, Simiyu region, Tanzania in 2017.
• Preparation of feasibility studies on expansion of Maswa Chalk and Meatu Milk Factories in 2017.
• Preparation of Feasibility study/Business Plan for Transformation of the Dar es Salaam Ferry Fish Market into a Competitive and Sustainable market in 2019.
• Suitability baseline survey for establishment of Aqua parks in Bukoba rural and Bunda districts in 2015.

• Support the Establishment of an Eco-Village Model Approach to Rural Development Using other Eco-Village Cases as Example E.G Chololo Eco-Village

ESRF in collaboration with Social and Economic Development Initiatives of Tanzania (SEDIT) supported Kikore village – Kondoa district in central corridor Region/LGA to initiate establishment of an eco-village model approach to rural development using other eco-village cases as example e.g Chololo Eco-village in Dodoma. The aim wa to undertake sustainable and organic farming where farmers were trained on how to maximize water use, minimize use of pesticides and industrial fertilizers. Kikore village was facilitated to establish demonstration plots and was provided with farm inputs. Solar water pumping system, horse pipes, farming tools and one green house set were purchased for the groups. Group members were trained on setting up irrigation system step by step. The groups were also oriented to savings group model i.e. Village Community Banks (VICOBA).

• Support Community Level Irrigation Technology in Lake Zone as Part of Innovative Interventions for Women

ESRF in collaboration with Social and Economic Development Initiatives of Tanzania (SEDIT) supported community level irrigation technology in Lake Zone as part of innovative interventions for women on CSA practices and technologies. This activity was implemented at Mwibara Village in Bunda DC which is near to Lake Victoria. The main objective was to impart innovative interventions for the community and particularly women to adopt Community Sustainable Agricultural (CSA) practices and technologies for integration with Sustainable Natural resources Management and Rural Development irrigation farming skills. Mwibara Village was also given irrigation equipments to benefit women through CSA practices and innovation. Also, Solar water pumping system, horse pipes, one green house set and farming tools were purchased.

• Use of Drones for Land Management

ESRF worked with Tanzania Flying Lab in helping Meatu district to use drones to Map various villages for land management in 2018. Conducted a pilot project for 3 villages to learn if drone data in collaboration with satellite data can help in land survey and mapping for the Meatu District. Documented the land for livestock grazing and crop farming as a base to be registered and certified. This is expected to reduce land disputes between farmers and herders. It will also empower farmers with good agronomic and livestock practices on rangelands development and grazing management.

• Hosting Government Websites

At some point in time, the Knowledge Management Department at the Economic and Social Research Foundation hosted more than 20 websites of Government MDAs. Some of Government websites which were hosted by ESRF include www.ikulu.go.tz, www.mipango.go.tz, www.kazi.go.tz, www.nao.go.tz and www.ajira.go.tz. Currently these websites are being hosted by e-Government.

• Community Radios

The Department established five community radios namely:- Ileje Community Radio, Unyanja (Nyasa) Community Radio, Kagera Community Radio, Mazingira Community Radio and Bunda Community Radio. All these radios empower people including women through information and knowledge.