Tanzania in Transition

Edited by Kjell Havnevik and Aida C. Isinika. The first comprehensive contribution to understanding the character of important societal transitions in Tanzania during Benjamin Mkapa’s presidency (1995-2005). The analyses are conducted against the background of Julius Nyerere’s development model (1961-1985), enabling an understanding of continuities and discontinuities in development strategy and ideology, agrarian and land issues, gender, forestry, economic liberalisation, development assistance, corruption, and political change. The Mkapa period represents the first phase of Tanzania’s multi-party political system. Mkapa’s government initially faced a gloomy economic situation; though his anti-corruption crusade lost direction, his presidency was characterised by relatively high growth rates and a stable macro-economy. Rural transitions were dominated by diversification rather than productivity growth. The book documents only limited transformational change, suggesting rural poverty is likely to remain deep and economic sustainability at risk. Co-published with the Nordic Africa Institute and Sokoine University of Agriculture.