Development: from bottom to top or top to bottom? Grassroots dynamics and directed development. The case of Tanzania
Swantz, M.L.
Paper, Centre for Development Studies, University of Antwerp (87/106): 26
1987
Document Number: 653951
A proposed study scheme is presented to examine the problems of grassroots development in Tanzania. In view of the many failed development efforts of government, and economic crises at the national and international levels, the population has responded in its own way to ease the situation through an 'informal' or 'parallel' sector. After consideration of the role of women, health, income distribution, and rural development projects, it is argued that thoughts, institutions and forms of organization have rarely been considered in top to bottom initiatives. Given encouragement, the dynamism evident in the informal sector may prove a crucial determinant of successful development in Tanzania. This is illustrated by examples of the ways in which groups of people have responded to the constraints imposed on their livelihoods and quality of life. Growth of this informal sector in Tanzania outside government channels is evidence of increased resistance to top down development plans, and more research should be put into ways of encouraging these bottom up initiatives.