ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (ESRF)

Transcription

1 ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (ESRF) THE ROLE OF ESRF IN POLICY PROCESS IN TANZANIA February 2004

2 Table Of Contents ABBREVIATIONS...II 1.0 INTRODUCTION EVOLUTION OF THE CURRENT POLICY RESEARCH AND POLICY ANALYSIS INSTITUTIONS TANZANIA POLICY PROCESSES IN TANZANIA PRACTICAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (ESRF) IN POLICY PROCESSES CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (ESRF) FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR ESRF CHALLENGES CONCLUDING REMARKS...15 REFERENCES...16 APPENDICES...17 Appendix 1: Tables Showing Selected ESRF s Involvement in the Policy Process/Cycle...17 i

3 ABBREVIATIONS ESRF : Economic and Social Research Foundation EST : Economic Society of Tanzania AIDS : Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome IMTC : Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee IMG : Independent Monitoring Group KIPRA : Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research MPs : Members of Parliament MTEF : Medium Term Expenditure Framework MoF : Ministry of Finance NGO : Non-Governmental Organization NPF : NGO Policy Forum ODI Overseas Development Institute PER : Public Expenditure Reviews PRSP : Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper PRS : Poverty Reduction Strategy PO PP : President s Office Planning and Privatization REPOA : Research on Poverty Alleviation SIDA : Swedish International Development Agency URT : United Republic of Tanzania WTO : World Trade Organization HIV : Human Immunodeficiency Virus ii

4 1.0 INTRODUCTION Tanzania has been striving to achieve higher levels of sustainable economic growth over the last decade. The primary aim is to reduce poverty, a deciding factor in policy choices and a yardstick for good governance and nation building. Policy research and policy analysis ought to play an important role in the processes that determine the success of this important issue. The competitive nature of the process of policy formulation and implementation may nonetheless, lead to outcomes that do not necessarily favor superior options. Past experience show that this has been the case in countries like Tanzania in which economic policy decisions have often been formulated and implemented without being informed by requisite research. This paper, examines the contributions of the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), a policy research and policy analysis institution regarding its role in informing policy processes in Tanzania. The paper adopts a broader definition of policy as a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions (Phillips L.C, and Seck Diery, 2004). To sharpen the discussion the paper aims to shed some light on the following questions: How is ESRF involved in policy process? How does ESRF participate in policy processes? Challenges faced by research and policy analysis institutions 1

5 2.0 EVOLUTION OF THE CURRENT POLICY RESEARCH AND POLICY ANALYSIS INSTITUTIONS TANZANIA Following the economic crises that crippled many African countries, including Tanzania in the 1970s and 1980s, a re-thinking of economic management became necessary. From the mid 1980s, Tanzania embarked on economic reforms, while the political structure of Tanzania underwent significant transformations changing from a single party system to a multi-party system. The 1990 s, especially in the period around 1991/2, saw the beginning of a reassessment of the role of stakeholders in development including both state and non-state actors in policy analysis and economic management. Since then, the role of non-state actors has expanded rapidly in virtually all areas of the economy. Improved governance and civil liberties and growing freedom of the press meant increased public scrutiny of government policy and action. There has been a realization that the non-state actors including institutions for research and policy analysis, and the civil society at large, have to play a greater role in formulating, articulating and analyzing policy options so as to increase the relevance, effectiveness, and thus ownership of policies and development processes. New centers for policy research and policy analysis, and new type of research called policy research emerged in response of needs of this new approach. Unlike purely academic research, this new wave of policy research sought and still seeks homegrown solutions that take into account local conditions. Findings of policy research are also discussed through participatory approaches, and widely disseminated to development stakeholders. These developments have cemented partnerships between the government, researchers, policy analysts, and other stakeholders, including the civil society, business community, and the donor community. Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) is among the new Research and Policy Analysis Institutes that have been established and have carried out research, conducted policy dialogues, prepared positional papers and policy briefs all as inputs into policy processes, and have at times participated directly into the formulation and monitoring and evaluation of policies. ESRF has expanded collaboration and networks as a means of strengthening policy analysis capabilities to the government and non-state actors so as to provide them with critical skills and information for continual policy processes. 2

6 3.0 POLICY PROCESSES IN TANZANIA Policy process comprises of policy formulation, policy implementation, and policy monitoring and evaluation. Before formulating the policy, one has to establish a policy framework. Establishing a policy framework involves an understanding of how policy operates at different international, local, sectoral and crosscutting levels. It also involves an understanding of formal and the less formal factors that influence policy processes. The role and responsibilities of the different levels are often defined within the constitution of a given country. Most countries are also bound by various international agreements, crosscutting issues, such as globalization, poverty reduction, good governance, democracy, and human rights. These international obligations and forces have to mesh with domestic policies and legislation to form a broad framework that guides the ways in which policies within sectors and cross sectors are formed. Once the framework has been established, a policy agenda is set and the process of policy formulation/making begins. Figure 1: Flow of Stages in the Policy Formulation Process in Tanzania Minister Principal Secretary Task Force Cabinet Secretariat Interministerial Technical Committee (IMTC) Cabinet Source: URT,

7 In Tanzania the policy formulation process is summarized in the figure 1. The Cabinet assists the President 1 in decision-making. Policies are initiated by respective line Ministries. It should also be noted that findings of policy research also influence stakeholders to demand for a certain policy. In the initiating line ministries there is the Minister, the Principle Secretary and the Task Force involved. Different categories of stakeholders are represented in the Task Force. Institutions like the ESRF fit in the Task Force category, in which they are either represented as professionals and/or commissioned as policy analysts to formulate the policy. The Cabinet Secretariat assists the Cabinet by proving quality advice through out the policy cycle, i.e. in formulation, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of government policies. With the assistance of professionals and policy analyst, respective line ministries produce draft policy papers, which are subjected to thorough scrutiny through consultations by various stakeholders. Draft policy papers are then submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat for further scrutiny. Cabinet Secretariat forwards the submitted draft policy papers to the respective Cabinet Secretariat Committees. Basically, the relevant Cabinet Secretariat Committee examines the extent to which stakeholders were involved in the formulation of the policy paper; it also examines economic, social, financial and legal implications of policy paper, it assesses the viability of the policy in relation to the above aspects i.e. if the policy options in the policy paper are indeed implementable and lastly it gives feed back to the Task Force. In practice, the Cabinet Secretariat circulates the draft paper to all Permanent Secretaries of all government ministries for review prior to sitting of the Inter Ministerial Technical Committee. The Inter Ministerial Technical Committee (IMTC) is made up of all Permanent Secretaries of all ministries. Chief Secretary of the President s Office who is also the Head of the Public service and secretary to the Cabinet chairs the IMTC. IMTC meets, at least twice a month to discuss policy papers on a routine basis, before they are forwarded to the cabinet. Policy papers are then presented to Cabinet meetings. Respective ministers present ministries papers and request Cabinet members to advise the President to approve/disapprove the presented policy papers. Policy implementation is the next follow-up element; it refers to the transformation of policy choices/programmes into operational measures. Often the process of delivering or implementing policy results in a significant redefinition of that policy, and may lead to different outcomes to those originally planned. So consideration of the practical aspects of 1 The President is the executive policy decision maker, acting beyond the process shown in Figure 1. 4

8 policy implementation is a critical part of the policy process. Involvement of stakeholders is essential to effective implementation of policies. This is done, so as to establish how the government can effect its roles and reduce burden of its own running to the taxpayer to the welfare of its citizens. Additionally, various needs arise following the adoption of policies even prior to actual implementation. Such needs may include preparation of a strategy to provide the required details to guide smooth implementation of the policy. Baseline surveys may also be necessary in understanding the on the ground situation before the implementation of the policy. Policy monitoring and evaluation is another important component of policy process that follow after formulating and implementing a policy. This evaluates the outcomes of the implementation process, and shows the relationship that exists between policies and impacts thereof. Policy monitoring and evaluation should be the objective assessment of how a policy has affected its targeted group. Policy dialogues conducted by independent policy watchdogs such as policy research and policy analysis institutions like the ESRF are ideal in shaping policies, and their implementation. Research institutions would best be placed to monitor and evaluate policies as they often participate in their formulation. This process entails a participatory approach, which is new to the policy processes in Tanzania. Past experience show that conscious linkage between policy research and policy processes did not exist in Tanzania. Research institutions remained distant from policy makers, research findings were poorly disseminated, and most research findings were presented in technical jargons that were difficult to absorb. The following section explores the practical role and contributions by ESRF, in informing policy processes in Tanzania. 5

9 4.0 PRACTICAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (ESRF) IN POLICY PROCESSES Since its inception, ESRF has been playing a key role in all areas of policy process/cycle i.e. formulation, implementation and monitoring and evaluation. These activities are operationalised through policy research, commissioned policy studies, policy dialogues and capacity building activities in the ESRF s work programme. In general, ESRF has undertaken over 150 studies in the areas of macro and fiscal policies, mining, education, budgeting, impact assessments, governance, trade, regional integration, HIV/AIDS, Employment and Labour, Poverty Reduction, Population, Privatisation, Health, Aid, Investment etc. As pointed out earlier, policy research and policy analysis are complementary and mutually reinforcing. A distinction between policy research and policy analysis is therefore pragmatic. In ESRF activities, this complementarity extends even further; not only between policy research and policy analyses through commissioned studies, but it also extend to policy dialogues and capacity building activities. Tables in appendix 1 show selected projects done by ESRF at every aspect of policy process/cycle and the role that ESRF played in each project. Some of the projects will be cited as examples and discussed in this section. ESRF s research programme mainly addresses current policy and developmental issues. Often times, ESRF uses findings of the policy researches to build logical policy scenarios, from which optimal policy choices are made. In policy processes, ESRF also guides policy makers to arrive at a coherent policy choice. And, as an institution for research and policy analysis, commissioned studies that are undertaken by ERSF respond to particular clients requests for policy analysis. Such studies are often informed by past or ongoing policy researches, and benefits from insights by specialized in-house and partner researchers in relevant themes. Citing an example, findings to policy research on the Social Economic Impacts of HIV/AIDs funded by SIDA outlined highlights on crucial policy considerations. The research findings were disseminated through a stakeholders workshop that brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society representatives, and representatives of people living with HIV/AIDS. The findings have informed the intensity of the problem, available alternatives towards finding solution, and advantages and disadvantages of particular policy choices. Benefiting from a wide range of key stakeholders, the dissemination workshop prompted a policy debate that discussed and articulated policy options and charted a way forward. 6

10 Findings to this same study were also used to inform a commissioned policy study on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the agricultural sector in selected districts. Findings and policy implications were also presented to the Members of Parliament (MPs). This presentation augmented the understanding of MPs on policy implications of HIV/AIDs, an understating, which is fundamental in influencing HIV/AIDs policy options. A Project on implications of globalization in East African Economies funded by Ford Foundation has researched on a number of themes. These included the changing patterns of trade, the implications of the fast growth in foreign investment, constraints on the development of national entrepreneurship in the global economy and legal implications of globalization. Findings to these researches were presented to workshops that informed key stakeholders of the emerging issues. In doing so, the workshops not only enhanced the understanding of participants, but they also provided an opportunity for enriching subsequent policy researches in the project, and policy options under considerations. Government officials and policy makers who deal with trade and globalization issues, including those involved in negations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) were among the participants who benefited from these seminars, and used insights from the research findings in their work. Recognizing the importance of policy research and policy analysis, and appreciating the work of ESRF in this area, ESRF professionals are among the delegates who represent Tanzania in the WTO negotiations. Findings to these researches also created demand form the civil society, specifically on the impact of globalization on indigenous/domestic competitiveness and readiness to embark on regional and international trade. To this effect, ESRF conducted a number of seminars, which aimed at enhancing the capacity of the civil society with regard to trade and globalization policy related issues. Findings to the Trade and Poverty study financed the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) outlined priority issues in the implementation of the New Trade Policy. The findings substantially contributed in mainstreaming trade in the PRS II. The Tanzania Participatory Poverty Assessment has also impacted substantially on policy processes through a number of policy briefs that were produced and widely disseminated to a wide range of stakeholders. Though this project, ESRF also managed to bridge between the government, development partners and the civil society through provision of professional coordination while executing the assessment. As indicted by its title, the assessment was done in a participatory manner, bringing together the government, development partners and the civil society. Through this project, the professional services in performing policy analysis 7

11 rendered by ESRF have enabled ESRF to cement links with the Government and Development Partners. Overall, ESRF has contributed in policy processes through a number of policy commissioned studies addressing specific issues of interest a number of clients, covering a wide range of areas, including macro economic policies, regional integration, human development, reform programmes, growth, poverty, globalization, trade, foreign aid policy and management, and reform process. Major clients for the ESRF are the government, development partners and to some extent the business community and civil societies. Through commissioned assignments, ESRF has contributed into the formulation of a number of polices and strategies, and in the monitoring and evaluation of number of policies and policy related activities across sectors and across regions and districts. Some policy and strategy that outline the participation of ESRF in policy and strategy formulation include Long Term Development Perspective (Tanzania s Development Vision 2025), Long Term Development Perspective for Zanzibar (Development Vision 2020 for Zanzibar), Poverty Reduction Strategy. Others include Rural Development Strategy, Rural Development Policy, Tanzania Assistance Strategy, Investment Policy, the Mining Policy, Industrial Policy, National Telecommunications Policy, National Tourism Policy, Irrigation Policy and Framework for a National Irrigation Policy, Zanzibar Investment Policy and Agricultural Marketing Policy, which is ongoing. ESRF has also undertaken a number of policy related evaluations and monitoring commissioned assignments. Under this category, among other evaluations, is a review of the performance of the Third Phase Government, a review of the Telecommunications Policy, a review of the performance of Tanzania Trade Policy, an evaluation of implementation of the East African Co-operation Development Strategy, and a review of aid relationships in Tanzania. Of particular interest in category, is the involvement, and role of ESRF in public expenditure reviews (PER), in the PRS Research and Analysis Working Group, and in the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG). PER is the tool that is linked to Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEF) with the aim of ensuring that plans and public budgets are consistent with the National and Sectoral plans. PER facilitates public participation in the management of public finance consideration, whereby ESRF participate as policy researchers and policy analysts and provide professional inputs to facilitate informed decisions in the process of planning, budgeting and managing public finance. ESRF participation in the PER process, cant be categorized into two layers. Firstly, as a nonstate actor member of the PER working group, and secondly, as commissioned policy 8

12 researcher and analyst. PER working group meets on regular intervals to discuss on policy issues that related to public finance management. As a member of the PER working group, ESRF inputs in the process of planning, and public finance management by articulating policy issues and providing professional guidance during the discussions. And as a policy researcher and analyst, ESRF is commissioned to undertake public expenditure review for given sectors. In these reviews, ESRF undertakes is in-depth evaluations of past budget performance, while linking the review to principle objectives stated in the PRS, as well as to sectoral plans, polices, and strategies, and ensuring that budgets are responsive to needs of the people. In view of the reviews findings, ESRR puts forth policy implications. Findings of these reviews and proposed policy options are then scrutinized by the PER working group(s) and used as a basis for planning, prioritizing actions and expenditure, and managing public finance, and for promoting more systematic and effective spending decisions by setting clear priorities that are consistent with MTEFs. PER reports are widely shared by development stakeholders, and this has facilitated information sharing. PRS Research and Analysis Working Group in another policy group to which the ESRF service contributes into policy processes. This group brings together key development stakeholders drawing from the government, domestic non-government stakeholders and the development partners. The group monitors the performance of the PRS, and collects data and conduct researches to track progress of PRS on a continuous basis. Outputs of the work by this group have fed to the preparation of the PRS II. The IMG that is coordinated by the Ministry of Finance is another special setting in which ESRF contributes to inform policy processes. In this setting, teams of consultants that comprise of policy analysts from the ESRF and international experts under the overall leadership of ESRF monitor and evaluate aid relationship and their influence on the on government leadership in developing policy priorities, strategic frameworks, and institutionalized co-operation mechanisms in various sectors. This also involves the civil society and the private sector in the development of national policies, strategies and priorities, government s prioritization and rationalization of development expenditures. It further includes the integration of resources into the strategic expenditure framework, integration of reporting and accountability systems, adequacy in resource disbursements, complimentarity between donor policies and domestic policies, transparency in reporting and accountability. As part of its objectives, ESRF organizes and runs public seminars, workshops, and policy dialogues regularly, which provide forums for policy debates and articulation of policy issues. Key issues that emerge from these forums, are presented and produced as part of in- 9

13 house publications, provides topics for further research, feed into policy processes and develop into policy considerations. Through policy dialogue, ESRF stimulates dialogue between researchers in academia, policy makers, and other development stakeholders. Themes have ranged from poverty reduction, trade, regional integration, sectoral policies, macroeconomic policies, growth, finance, governance and accountability, resource mobilization and investment, human resources development, and globalization. The media, publications, and participation of its staff in outside meetings are among other forms by ESRF to promote public policy discussions. Policy research studies undertaken by ESRF usually culminate into workshops either for allowing relevant stakeholders to provide input into the processes, or to disseminate findings to relatively larger groups of stakeholders. Such workshops have not only facilitated incorporation of peoples needs in policy options, but also informing the public about, and thus enhancing the understating of policy issues and capacities at different levels. ESRF also runs policy debate and dialogue, which specifically aim at bringing development stakeholders to dialogue on certain policy issue. In 2003, ESRF in collaboration with REPOA and the President s Office Planning and Privatization (PO PP) ESRF run a Development Forum. The acceptance of the POPP to jointly run the development Forum with the ESRF, and of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania to officiate this forum demonstrate credibility and the acceptance of the role played by ESRF in policy processes in Tanzania. The Forum drew a number of senior government officials, a development partners, renown academicians and researchers, and various representatives from various civil societies and non-government organizations. It covered policy issues on various subjects, including growth, good governance and accountability, human resources development, investments, poverty and youth development. Discussions in the forum generated a number of policy research agenda, some of which were generated by the President himself and are now to be researched on. The forum also came up with a number of policy proposals that were to be considered by the government. Through cemented relationships with other policy research institutions such as Research for Poverty Alleviation (REPOA), and Economic Society of Tanzania (EST) ESRF has facilitated policy debates and discussions to a broad range of development stakeholders. Among these include the joint policy debate is the Social Dimension of Globalization and the Round Table discussion on budget speech. A debate on Social Dimension of Globalization provided a forum for interested key stakeholders to discuss and enhance their understanding of globalization issues. The report produced out of this dialogue came up with policy issue that were further undertaken in the work of the Social Commission for Globalization that is 10

14 co-chaired by the H.E President Benjamin W. Mkapa, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The Round Table Discussion on Budget Speech also stimulated very lively discussion. This resulted into high demand for continued debate on the subject. ESRF facilitated an online debate that enabled stakeholders to continue with debate, while simultaneously informing policy makers in their respective areas of work. ESRF has thus used various platforms under the policy dialogue. ESRF committed to further the course of articulating and enhance an understanding of topical developmental and policy issues, promote partnerships and broader participation of development stakeholders, identifying important policy research areas, and informing and influencing policy processes. Weaknesses in policy analysis capacity, and more generally in development management, still constrain the economic performance of Tanzania. Enhanced capacity is required not only to meet long-standing policy requirements of macroeconomic management and government service delivery, but also to meet the challenges for sharing responsibilities between state and non-state actors. New emphasis on poverty reduction and the complexities of different international and regional trading agreements are also areas where policy-related competencies are urgently needed. As part of its mandate, ESRF has made an impact on policy processes through capacity building initiatives. It has contributed to policy process through a number of capacity building initiatives. Capacity building activities have among others, included developing and conducting training programs, and disseminating knowledge through seminars and policy dialogue, networking, collaborations and attachments. Through capacity building activities, ESRF has managed to equip policy analysts, decision makers with appropriate analytical tool that have enabled them make informed policy decisions, and to effectively share and disseminate policy decisions to relevant development stakeholders. ESRF has also played a role in the development of capacity within the various groups that make up civil society to articulate and locate their interests in the broader policy context. More than 400 government officials have been trained in various aspects of socio-economic policy management. To facilitate the participation of the private sector and other non-government actors in the policy processes, ESRF has bridged between the government and the private sector, and civil society at large. In this, ESRF has proved technical support to non-state actors, which has enabled them to synthesize their views and effectively participate in the process. 11

15 For the purpose of the paper, the Macro modeling, and training on the role of MPs in mainstreaming HIV/AIDS are singled out to be of particular interest. ESRF took part in the macro modeling of a multi-stakeholder project that aimed at building capacity of developing and using macro modeling in policy analysis. Other stakeholders in the model included the Ministry of Finance (MoF), PO PP, University of Dar es Salaam, the Bank of Tanzania, and Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research (KIPRA). In executing these policy tasks, the team revealed technical weakness that would have limited its use, and proposed solutions thereof. The model was developed and has been published. Through a training workshop on the role of MPs in mainstreaming and budgeting for HIV/AIDS, ESRF empowered the MPs by enabling them identify their roles, and to establish linkages between planning tools, financial frameworks, monitoring and evaluation tools, policies, strategies, and actions plans. At the end, the workshop equipped the MPs with practical approaches, tools and techniques, for mainstreaming HIV/AIDS that have enabled them to influence inclusion of specific policy issues for HIV/AIDS in relevant policies, strategies, programmes, action plans, and budgets as well as o oversee the effective utilization of allocated resources By managing information gateway ESRF plays an important role in informing the public about policy processes. ESRF is managing the Tanzania Online website ( which is a gateway to information on development issues in Tanzania. It was established to address problems faced by policy makers, the private sector, civil society, development partners, researchers and academicians in accessing information on development issues. ESRF is also managing the website for Tanzania Development Gateway ( an Internet portal that provides and promotes online networking, sharing, exchange and dissemination of knowledge ideas and information on development matters. It provides a unique platform for a broad collaboration among Tanzanians. Specific interest is its role in creating many and new opportunities for grassroots community-building and interactive networks among various stakeholders. The gateway provides online resources to promote and support grassroots initiatives through building a common platform for partnership with government, the development partners, the private sector, the civil society, and other key partners. In doing so, the gateway contributes to poverty reduction. The foregoing explains how ESRF has contributed to informing policy processes in and outside Tanzania. 12

16 5.0 CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (ESRF) 5.1 Future Prospects for ESRF Based on the foregoing presentation, it is evident that ESRF had has made ground breaking achievements in policy research and analysis and has inspired other institutions to do the same. It is also evident that there have been good results of the work done by ESRF in terms of influencing many policy processes. The positive responses from the government, development partners, civil society organizations and the private sector have been both encouraging and challenging to the ESRF. Public expectations from the ESRF are now higher than they have ever been before, and ESRF must respond appropriately for future policy works. In order for the ESRF to meet the expectations, it must have the resources necessary to do the work. It must break new frontiers in policy research and analysis and deliver these to policy makers and other beneficiaries using innovative approaches. This means that the ESRF must continue to strengthen its capacity even while building the capacity of its partners in these critical areas. ESRF must therefore embark on a two-prong strategy; one looking inward to its own development and competitive strength and the other outward looking towards making the greatest impact possible on policy processes in Tanzania and beyond. 5.2 Challenges ESRF, like almost all other think tanks/research institutes in developing countries are faced with crippling financial constraints that inhibit their advancement. Adequate funding will not only allow them attract and retain highly qualified professionals, but also to undertake comprehensive researches and policy analyses. Marketing of these policy researches and analyses to beneficiaries, particularly to the private sector would be helpful to ESRF to meet its financial requirements. The realization and effectiveness of such an approach will nonetheless, take sometime in developing counties such as Tanzania, where effective demand from the private sector is low and in some areas non-existent. Often times, these research institutions are required to provide quick solutions to complicated multidimensional issues within a short period of times. Such quick demand-driven researches require capabilities for prompt action without which they end up with output of low quality. 13

17 Comprehensive analyses that are inevitably required to provide alternative scenarios and possible outcomes are fundamental to quality assurance. This, however, requires adequate time and resources to execute using appropriate modules with sufficient level of aggregation, so as to frame policy requirements with appropriate parameters. With adequate resources high-level professions can be engaged to deliver the required outputs in a timely fashion. This is another challenge facing the ESRF and many other similar institutions. Retention of quality staff depends on incentives and enough intellectual challenges. This must be the focus not only of the ESRF but also of all partners who have benefited from the good works of the institution. To remain at its current level of appreciated performance, financing initiatives in favor of this commendable institution must be considered in light of the benefits of the greater public, which has been enjoying the fruits of ESRF work Effective dissemination, and utilization of policy researches and policy analyses findings are also among the constraints faced by policy research institutes in developing countries. In a stakeholders driven environment, whereas, stakeholders need to have access to policy research findings, it is essential that policy researches and policy analyses generate results that meet stakeholder expectations. Close linkages with the development stakeholders are therefore very essential. This is however, complicated by difficulties that policy research institutions face in balancing between key policy needs, and need that are perceived as key topical issues by stakeholders. This points to the fact that existence and relevance of policy research institutions are sometimes influenced by stakeholders expectations rather than key policy agenda in a society. These multi-complexities, therefore point not only to need of effective dissemination approaches, but also close linkages between development stakeholders and change of attitude. 14

18 6.0 CONCLUDING REMARKS It is plausible to assume that the linkages between policy processes and relevant research are maturing to the extent that there is consensus on the value adding properties in policy and decision-making. The role that ESRF has played must be nurtured through stronger partnerships and greater appreciation of the positive outcomes that have been demonstrated over the years. Based on what has been gained so far through good policy work, it is now inevitable in Tanzania as it is elsewhere in the world, that policies would be developed without the hindsight of policy research and the foresight of policy analysis. While appreciating financial constrains faced by governments in developing countries, the importance of policy research institutions in development management and in informing policy process need to not be over-emphasized. Currently, financing for ad hock consultations is the preferred approach by both the Government and Development Partners. Such an approach does not facilitate intellectual challenges, and well contemplated research agenda. A re-thinking of effective ways of financing policy researches is therefore called for. Pooling and allocating adequate funds for policy researches and policy analyses would be among alternatives for consideration. Whereas, policy researchers should access such funds competitively, the underling criteria should be the importance attached to the proposed policy agenda. 15

19 REFERENCES Baguma R., (1981), Public Policy, in AAPAM, Public Policy in Africa, Addis Ababa. Court, J. and Young, J. (2003), Bridging Research and Policy: Insights from 50 Cases Studies, ODI, London, UK. Gitu, Kang ethe (2001), Strengthening the Link Between Policy Research and Implementation. Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis, Occasional Paper No. 1/2001. Nairobi: KPPRA. Joan. C., Antony. L., Jean. B., (1995), The Process of Policy Formulation: Institutional Path or Institutional Maze? European Centre for Development Policy Management, Policy Management Report Number 3, Maastricht. Ndanshau, M. (1996), Informal Finance in the Peasant Economy: A Case Study in Arusha Region, Tanzania, Tanzania. Ph.D Thesis, UDSM. Odhiambo-Mbai, C. (1998), The Nature of Public Policy, Policy Analysis and Reforms. In: Njuguna Ng the and Wassunna Owino (Eds), From Sessional Paper No. 10 to Structuctural Adjustment: Towards Indigenenizing the Policy Debate. Nairobi: Institute of Policy Analysis and Research. Rugumyaheto (1991), Policy Brief on Tanzania, Paper Presented to International Labour Organization Conference. Dar es Salaam. United Republic of Tanzania (1997), Socio Policy Formulation Process. Government Printers Ltd. Dar es Salaam. Wangwe S., Semboja. H, and, Lucie. P., (2004), Tanzania: Policy Research and the Mining Boom. Fixing African Economies, Policy Research for Development. Yambesi. D. (1995), Tanzania s Experience in Public Policy Analysis. Civil Service Department, President s Office, Dar es Salaam. 16

20 APPENDICES Appendix 1: Tables Showing Selected ESRF s Involvement in the Policy Process/Cycle Formulation 2 Project Year Long Term Development Perspective (Tanzania s 1997 Development Vision 2025) Long Term Development Perspective for Zanzibar 1997/1998 (Development Vision 2020 for Zanzibar) Rural Development Policy 2000 Investment Policy 1997 Mining Policy 1997 Export Promotion Policy 1998 Industrial Policy 1997 National Telecommunications Policy 1997 National Tourism Policy 1998 Irrigation Policy Zanzibar Trade Policy 2004 Zanzibar Investment Policy 2003 Agricultural Marketing Policy (ongoing) Since 2001 Implementation Project Year Role of ESRF Poverty Reduction Plan for Zanzibar 2001 Developing the Plan Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 2000 Developing the Strategy Rural Development Strategy 2001 Developing the Strategy Tanzania Assistance Strategy 2001 Developing the Strategy East African Community Development Strategy 2000 Developing the Strategy ( ) East African Agricultural Sector Development 2000 Developing the Strategy Strategy East African Private Sector Development Strategy 2002 Developing the Strategy Development Forum 2003 Facilitation of the Debate and Dialogue Social Dimension of Globalisation 2003 Facilitation of Policy Debates and Discussions The Round Table Discussion on Budget Speech 1996, ,2003 Facilitated an Online Debate Training on External Aid Management and 2004 Conducted the Training Concepts Training on Policy Analysis to Ministry of Tourism 2004 Conducted the Training Training on the Role of MPs in Mainstreaming and Budgeting for HIV/AIDS 2004 Conducted the Training 2 Formulation of the process from the consultants view point includes several roles including: desk review of literature concerning the subject matter, producing an inception report, producing a draft, organizing and conducting consultative meetings with stakeholders both centrally and at zonal level and finally producing a final policy document. ESRF has participated in either the entire process or in some of the activities as a consultant. 17

21 Monitoring and Evaluation Project Year(s) Role of ESRF Performance of the Third Phase Government 2000 Review of the Performance of the Third Phase Government Tanzania Trade Policy Review of the Policy Performance Telecommunications Policy 2000 Review of the Policy East African Co-operation Development Strategy ( ) Performance 2000 Evaluation of Implementation of the Strategy Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) 2004/2005 Monitor and Evaluate Aid Relationship and their Influence on the Government Leadership Public Expenditure Reviews (PER) for Agriculture 1999, 2000 Review of Agriculture Sector Expenditure Public Expenditure Reviews (PER) for Water 1998, ,2001 Review of Water Sector Expenditure Public Expenditure Reviews (PER) for Energy 1998 Review of Energy Sector Expenditure Public Expenditure Reviews (PER) for Roads Sector) 2003 Review of Road Sector Expenditure 18