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TANZANIA
>> AFR Regional Overview >> Tanzania Overview
Development Challenge Summary Tables
Program Summary
Previous Years' Activities
2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 199750
Introduction
The U.S. national interests in Tanzania include preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, stabilizing population growth, improving maternal and child health, arresting environmental degradation, and promoting democracy, human rights, and broad-based economic growth. The United States also supports Tanzania's active role in resolving the multiple crises afflicting the Great Lakes region. Since 1995, Tanzania has been actively involved in economic and political reforms. Tanzania has set aside one-fourth of its territory as protected areas supporting some of the world's most biologically diverse ecosystems. Tanzania promotes private sector-led development and is committed to a market driven economy. This economy has growing potential to attract U.S. investment in minerals and tourism.
The Development Challenge
Tanzania's challenges to development are formidable. Based on the severity of its problems, USAID expects to be involved in this country's economic development for at least the next decade. Over 50% of its 30 million people live in extreme poverty. Tanzania's external debt is $7.9 billion (2001). In 2000, Tanzania achieved decision-point status under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative that will provide substantial debt relief and help address the country's excruciating poverty. Poverty is exacerbated by rapid population growth, high rates of infectious diseases--including HIV/AIDS, unsustainable use of natural resources, and weak human and physical infrastructure. In addressing these problems, USAID is assisting the Government of Tanzania (GOT) to establish a foundation for sustainable economic growth and improved human welfare. The program supports USAID's new priority areas of Economic Growth, Global Health, and Development Relief and Conflict Prevention.
In the areas of population and health, USAID catalyzed a policy change in the national guidelines for malaria, resulting in a shift to presumptive treatment of malaria during pregnancy using a more effective prevention medication. In an effort to help the government implement this new policy, USAID has mobilized support to strengthen antenatal care at maternal and child health clinics. Because malaria is a significant complication during pregnancy, this change will reduce infant mortality and health of Tanzanian women.
Equally importantly, USAID played a pivotal role in fostering landmark changes in national HIV/AIDS policy. As a result of advocacy by civil society organizations sponsored by USAID, the GOT has recognized that the national structures in place were not effectively supporting a multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS. The GOT therefore created a new institution, the Tanzania Commission for AIDS, in the Prime Minister's Office to allow leaders at the highest levels of government to mobilize an accelerated, multi-sectoral and multi-faceted response to the epidemic.
USAID's environment program has strengthened GOT institutions charged with policy analysis, strategic planning, and natural resource management to halt serious degradation in and around national parks and reserves, as well as in coastal areas. USAID has effectively coordinated donor responses to central environmental issues, particularly the concept of balancing community economic benefit with conservation practices for long-term environmental sustainability. Also, USAID's support to non-governmental organizations such as the Lawyers Environmental Action Trust has greatly enhanced public awareness and advocacy on environment issues.
In the governance area, USAID assistance has increased the efficiency and professionalism of the judiciary through the introduction of alternative dispute resolution practices and a computerized case-flow management system. USAID activities have also improved dialogue between the government and civil society leading to greater civic advocacy and government responsiveness. USAID programs have shown notable success in giving women's organizations greater capacity to advocate on issues of unique and special interest to women.
USAID's innovative interventions on behalf of the private sector improved the regulatory and tax environment for private sector-led growth. USAID continues to provide business management skills through training and technical assistance to micro and small enterprises and business associations. Achievements include restructuring the financial sector resulting in increased numbers of private financial institutions and a more market driven economy. The Tanzania Revenue Authority, which USAID helped to establish, has increased revenue collection by 45% and has assisted in identifying and resolving procedural bottlenecks stifling the establishment of new firms.
USAID's successful infrastructure program has been decentralized to the district level where nearly 500 kilometers of district roads have been rehabilitated. This has generated over 45,000 workdays of employment, substantially enhanced farm to market access, and contributed significantly to food security. An additional 250 kilometers of district roads are currently under rehabilitation.
In continuing response to the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy, USAID provided over $9 million for medical treatment for victims, support to victims' families, reconstruction of damaged properties and improved disaster management by the GOT.
Other Donors
In FY 2000, the United States ranked tenth among donors. Other donors include the World Bank, the Netherlands, European Union, Japan, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and United Kingdom. USAID and other donor programs are complementary with broad donor coordination achieved through monthly meetings held among the donors and regular consultations with GOT officials to discuss achievements, issues and results within each sector.
FY 2002 Program
USAID will continue working with the GOT and NGOs to improve family health through family planning (Development Assistance), HIV/AIDS prevention and child survival interventions (Child Survival and Disease funds); conserve biodiversity, as well as establish a more responsive legal and policy environment for private sector development. These interventions encourage Tanzanian citizens and businesses to take private initiative, which increases their productivity and incomes. Also, USAID will continue to work with civil society to enhance public participation, accountability and the rule of law. USAID's program will emphasize broad-based national and regional growth. It will build on the lessons learned and results achieved during previous years, while effectively coordinating its efforts with those of other donors and the GOT to achieve measurable results.
Activity Data Sheets
- 621-001, Increased Use of Family Planning, Maternal and Child Health, and HIV/AIDS Preventive Measures
- 621-002, Foundation Established For Adoption of Environmentally Sustainable Natural Resource Management Practices
- 621-003, Civil Society and Government are More Effective Partners in Governance
- 621-004, Increased Micro and Small Enterprise Participation in the Economy
- 621-005, Rural Roads Improved in a Sustainable Manner
- 621-006, Suffering of Tanzania Bomb Victims Reduced and Local Disaster Responsiveness Capacity Enhanced
- 621-008, Improved Conservation of Coastal Resources and Wildlife in Targeted Areas
- 621-009, Increased Micro and Small Enterprise Participation in the Economy II
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Last Updated on: May 29, 2002 |
