Universities and socio-economic development in Tanzania: public perceptions and realities on the ground

Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an insignificant industrial sector that is divorced from the R&D system. Nonetheless, like other countries in the world, its universities are changing, gradually assuming a new role in society, especially in forging links to the product...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science & public policy 2009-03, Vol.36 (2), p.85-90
Main Authors: Mwamila, Burton L M, Diyamett, Bitrina D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Colleges and universities
Economic development
Economic systems
Education
Policy studies
Poverty
Public opinion
Public policy
Research and development
Science and technology
Scientific research
Social problems
Social systems
Socioeconomic development
Tanzania
Universities
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Summary:Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an insignificant industrial sector that is divorced from the R&D system. Nonetheless, like other countries in the world, its universities are changing, gradually assuming a new role in society, especially in forging links to the productive sector. However, while such changes in more developed countries are being brought about by the realities of the economic system, for Tanzania it seems to be coming from government and donor pressures. On the other hand, society in general perceives the role of the university as transcending the mere linkage between the university and the productive sector, to include myriads of social problems confronting society. In this regard, because the university is not the only actor in the Tanzanian research system, the roles that the university should play in the social and economic system of the country need to be clearly identified.
ISSN:0302-3427
1471-5430
DOI:10.3152/030234209X406827