Multipurpose Co-operative Development in Tanzania Prospects Problems

Abstract

The 1982 Co-operative Act established the multipurpose production oriented co-operatives in the country. Prior to 1982 we never had real multipurpose co-operatives although an attempt was made after 1967 to encourage multi-purpose co-operatives. In 1976 co-operative unions were dis solved and villages and " Ujamaa Villages” which were deemed multi-purpose production oriented co—operatives were created. But since most co—operative principles were not observed, it is unfair to recognize them as “true" co-operatives although some village data has been used to support some of the arguments in this paper. So, we can rightly say Tanzania - does not have a long experience with multi-purpose co—operatives. The paper intends to. create an awareness among individuals and or institutions involved in co operative development and management that there exist potentials for increasing members' incomesif certain, managerial problems are solved. The paper concentrates mainly on technical problems and some suggestions for minimizing them. The concept of multipurpose co—operative; defined in section 1 while section 2 looks at what multipurpose co-operatives can do in the Tanzanian context Section 3 traces the historical development of multipurpose co—operatives while section 4 outlines some benefits which co operatives stand to gain. Major technical problems are discussed in section 5 while th