Agricultural Policy Analysis Studies in Tanzania: A Historical and Thematic Perspective with Implications on Future Policy Research for Crop Production and Marketing

Abstract

This paper reviews studies which have addressed agricultural policy research in relation to Tanzania during and after economic structural adjustment, with some cross reference for studies within Africa and globally. The studies are reviewed to cover: factor markets; product markets; and macro-economic management in relation to impacts on agriculture performance. The review establishes that in the factor markets more studies have been done to address productivity improving inputs, especially inorganic fertilizer compared to other inputs such as financing and credit for agriculture. Based on the findings, further areas for future research are proposed.  Five sub-themes are presented: subsidy, returns to investment, land markets, trade, and inter-sectoral linkages. The study concludes by observing that despite all the studies, there is little evidence that policymaking in Tanzania is informed by policy research. Alternatively stated, policy makers do not seek guidance from research to make decisions. The review also establishes that most of local researchers use analytical methods which have limited capacity to provide robust policy recommendations that are backed by clear analytical rigour. Capacity building of young professionals is therefore recommended to improve their competence to become agricultural policy analysts with impact on agricultural policy processes.

Key Words: Tanzania, Agriculture, policy research, factor market, product market