This is an introduction to a series of commentaries that will be published here on Udadisi Blog for the next 7 days.

—

Tanzania Institutional Diagnostic: A Response and Comments 

 By Andrew Coulson

At the REPOA Research Workshop in April 2019, Sam Wangwe and François Bourguignon presented a paper “Chapter 8: An Institutional Diagnostic of Tanzania: Synthesis”. It was clear that it was part of a bigger project. Subsequently I found an Introduction and 8 chapters on the web.

The Introductionexplains that this is part of a 5-year project, funded by UK Aid, based on a new approach to Institutionalism. Hitherto, most approaches to studies of institutions have either been historical studies of particular economies, or econometric studies using data from large numbers of economies. In contrast, this study, based mainly on documentary sources and interviews, is being conducted in just 4 countries (Mozambique, Bangladesh, Benin and Tanzania). It will seek to “identify major institutional obstacles to economic development in a specific country at a specific point of its development process, as well as possible lines of reform and the political economy issues associated with them” (p.6). Tanzania is the first country to report. Oxford University Press will publish a book or books based on the research.

The chapters are:

Part 1 – General Approach

Chapter 1: Political and Economic Development of Tanzania: A Brief Survey –  François Bourguignon

Chapter 2:  Collecting Insights for an Institutional Diagnostic of Development – François Bourguignon and François Libois

Part 2 – Thematic Studies

Chapter 3: Politics and Business – Sam Wangwe, with Discussion by Hazel Gray

Chapter 4: The Civil Service and Economic Development –  Rwekaza Mukandala, with Discussion by Jan Willem Gunning

Chapter 5: Decentralization and Development  – Servacius Likwelile and Paschal Assey, with Discussion by Jan Willem Gunning

Chapter 6: Land Rights and the Law: Institutional Issues and Challenges – S.J. Mramba, with Discussion by Klaus Deininger

Chapter 7: Power Sector Reform and Regulation – Catrina Godhino and Anton Eberhard, with Discussion by A. Estache

Chapter 8: An Institutional Diagnostic of Tanzania: Synthesis – François Bourguignon and Sam Wangwe

When I read these, I realised that I had responses to every one of them. I wrote up my notes and sent them to the authors of Chapter 8. I received a reply to the effect that the authors will take them into account when they revise their chapters. This series of commentaries is a revised and reworked version of what I sent.

The collection of articles is path-breaking and will assist those who can make or influence policies, inside and outside Tanzania. Inevitably there are gaps, and places where the logic of arguments is not fully developed, or where similar material is covered in more than one place. It is a remarkable achievement to bring this material together. However, more could have, and can, be done, as my comments in the series make clear.