Tanzania had won independence and a strongly required unity when Tanganyika and Zanzibar
merged. However, a more demanding challenge was at hand. Economic independence must also
be gained.
On Uhuru Day (Independence Day) Mwalimu Nyerere had made it clear that independence would
be meaningless if the people of Tanzania were to remain dependent on friends for their
daily bread. He cautioned the people that the burdens of poverty, ignorance and disease
would perist if they did not work hard. In 1967 the Arusha Declaration, full of the
ideals of human dignity and public economic nurture, was launched. To accomplish this, all
major means of production were placed in the hands of the people.
Later the government decentrallised its admnistrative machinery to give the people more say
in affairs concerning their own development. To foster collective development from the
grass-roots, the policy of Ujamaa was introduced. Blended from African traditions
based on mutual help and respect, its principles recognised mutual involvement with one
another, common ownership of goods, sharing among all members of a unit and the obligation
of every individual to work.
The objectives of Ujamaa were to build a society in which all members have equal rights and
opportunities. Where all can live in peace without injustice or exploitation. And where all
members can enjoy a gradual increase in the basic level of material welfare, without any
individual living in luxuary at the expencse of others.
Nyerere's policy was no doubt unique in charting the best path poverty-ridden Africa could
take to development. But the going was not that easy. Through poor implementation of
planned development projects, through misconception of policies and through mismanagement
and misappropriation of public funds, Tanzania was not able to profit from the ideals of
Ujamaa. Contrary to expectations, the country's economy dwindled. Agricultural production
dropped and public industries failed to break even. External factors, such as the 1978/79
war with Uganda, the breakdown of the East African Community and the unfavourable economic
conditions granted poor Africa by the West, aggravated the problems facing Tanzania's
staggering economy.
Nonetheless, Nyerere's Ujamaa policy established a strong foundation on which Tanzania
could rise to prosperity. Ujamaa has been responsible for a new generation of educated,
politically conscious citizens who understand their rights and know how to defend them. Its
future lies in its claim to Africa's lowest illiteracy rate, the number of professional
Tanzanian technicians available to serve it, the potential of its natural resources just
beginning to be utilised, and its position as one of the most politically stable countries
in Africa. Herin lies Tanzania's chance to overcome its poverty.
Though, in principle, Ujamaa still prevails, the Government now provides more opportunity
for the private sector to participate fully in agriculture, industry and trade. This is
part of a new effort to revamp the economy and instigate personal commitment. Also,
assistance through modern techniques and inputs is being provided for 8,000 villages in an
effort to increase their production.
Tanzania's foreign policy is based on several commendable principles. Friendship with all
Nations. A struggle against all forms of colonialism, neocolonialism, apartheid and racial
discrimination. A search for African unity, freedom and independence. A belief in non-
alignment and good neighbourliness. On the basis of these principles Tanzania has become
an active member of various international organizations including the United Nations, the
Organization of African Unity, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Countries and the
Frontline States.
Source : "Tourist Guide to Tanzania", by Gratian Luhikula, Travel Promotion Services Ltd, 1991.
