Civil society networks in Tanzania serve a variety of functions, including information sharing, capacity building and the development of unity amongst civil society organisations, in order to increase the impact of their work. Across the country, networks have initiated and supported campaigns, which have won the support of decision-makers and the public alike. Through pooling their resources, they have increased the range of services and skills available for use in their advocacy campaigns and increased the impact of their work. Networks have also helped avoid needless duplication of activities.
The civil society is increasingly accepted not just as a complimentary sector but also as one of the key engines driving development processes in Tanzania. The establishment of a transparent and accountable management remains an essential component in the growth of a credible CSO. In Tanzania there are fruitful discussions and processes seeking to establish a new code of ethics to check the conduct of CSOs, a nationwide organisational self-assessment scheme, CSO Excellency award system and a CSO certification system.
The Role of Norway
Norway has been a contributor to the civil society sector in Tanzania by supporting various CSOs for a number of years. The Foundation for Civil Society in Tanzania (FCS) has been one of the main beneficiaries of Norway’s support through the Strategic Partnership Agreement. The FCS works within four thematic areas; Policy, Governance, Safety Nets, and Advocacy Strengthening. The Norwegian embassy is also supporting a large number of local NGOs through strategic partnerships with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Results
Through support from Norway, village community banks popularly known as VICOBA have been established. From NCA’s monitoring visits and partners’ reports, the total number of VICOBA groups by the end of 2008 was approximately 392, with a total of 10.268 members and shares amounting to Tshs 1.75 billion, which is equivalent to USD 1.5 million. Moreover, capacity building training in the Public Expenditure Tracking System (PETS) was conducted in 11 districts. A total of 371 participants from 168 villages and 110 wards were trained in PETS in 2008.
Through its Formalisation Programme, the NPA has increased the number of people applying for formalizing properties and largely contributed to an increased reporting on formalisation in the newspapers and Television programs. Furthermore, the WWF has brought together NGOs engaged in environment and natural resources issues to come up with a framework on how to work in the sector. WWF has also built the capacity of these organisations through various seminars and trainings.
Summary of Support
• Norway has allocated a total of 8.2 million NOK for 2007-2010 to the Foundation for Civil Society Organisation.
• NPA has been allocated NOK 23.300.000 for 2008-10, and NCA has been allocated NOK 36.000.000 for 2008-10.
• WWF has been allocated NOK 25.000.000 for 2008-12.