Poverty and Human Development Report 2009 - UNDP in Tanzania

pOVertY aND hUMaN DeVeLOpMeNt repOrt 2009
Adjustments may be needed to the strategic path due to economic and political constraints,
some of which may lead to unexpected or unplanned outcomes. 101 Financial, social and capacity
constraints involve inescapable trade-offs and political consensus, inherent to any national
development strategy and especially difficult to manage in a low-income country. The growth
path of the Asian tigers is characterised by adjustments, abandoning what did not work and
nurturing what did. Adjustments though should not be at the expense of the overall direction,
rather refinements within the medium-term development strategy. It is vital that a clear view of
the long-term horizon is maintained, all the while recognising that the nation is continuously
shaped by local and global contexts which inevitably mean that significant social and economic
changes will need to be accommodated.
Changes can also bring about opportunities that, if properly exploited can lead to the next level
of socio-economic transformation. For example, an expanding middle class, if exposed to a
competitive environment, can become a catalyst for growth and innovation, but if allowed to
create monopolies can become an obstacle to transformation.
Strengthening and Aligning the Institutional Framework for
Implementation
Once the strategic direction has been determined it is crucial that implementing institutions and
incentive systems are properly aligned in order to effectively support implementation. These
include:
(i) the institutions of government;
(ii) the private sector and civil society; and
(iii) market and regulatory systems.
Incentive systems within the institutional framework must provide very clear expectations and
benefits which are derived from the vision and the strategic choices of the country.
The Institutions of Government
In many African countries, including Tanzania, it has been the practice for central government
ministries to coordinate and distribute resources. This however can result in the preferential
allocation of human and financial resources to central ministries which, in turn, determine power
relations. Lessons from Asia on this matter are useful, where the choice of strategic sectors/
activities determines the centrality of ministries and the allocation of human resources. Thus
ministries are aligned to the thrust of the strategic direction, and become responsible facilitators
with oversight for the strategy’s implementation.
101 The expansion of primary and secondary schools is a case in point for Tanzania, where rapid expansion in
school infrastructure and student enrolments has put increasing pressure upon teacher numbers and the
delivery of quality education. Another example is the global financial and economic crisis that necessitated
adjustments in many countries including Tanzania.
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