Assessment of the work of World Vision's area development programme at Mpunguzi in Tanzania.

Abstract

This dissertation is an evaluation of the programme of World Vision Tanzania. It examines the work of the Mpunguzi Area Development Programme (ADP) in the Dodoma region in two ways. Firstly it looks at it from the perspective of WVT itself, through reading the reports and minutes of the organisation and interviewing key informants. Secondly it looks at it from the perspective of the local people in Mpunguzi, through a series of interviews and group discussions. It is clear that the ADP has made a good contribution that is appreciated by local inhabitants in the areas of primary health, primary education, agriculture and animal husbandry, water and sanitation, the environment, gender inequity, income generating activities, spiritual development, advocacy on child rights and leadership development. However, there were concerns expressed about a range of on-going life and livelihood struggles that the ADP is not able to address. These issues include housing, storage and marketing of agricultural produce, conditions of loan facilities, lack of other skills and employment, drought, lack of alternative livelihoods, gender issues and the impact of HIV/AIDS. The dissertation argues that World Vision Tanzania and the ADP approach will need to make some changes to the development approach in order to meet these concerns. Four important issues are then identified and explored. These are:(i)participation of the poor in shaping their livelihoods; (ii) promotion of Asset Based Community Development; (iii) advocacy in terms of public policy; and (iv) a deeper theological understanding of development. The hope of the research and dissertation is to enable World Vision and other Christian groups continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of the poor in Tanzania.