Abstract:
The study focused on assessing the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) in
poverty reduction among members in Tanzania. CBOs existed even before colonial era
but became more pronounced during 1980s to-date following political and economic
reforms in Tanzania. The theme of the study was that CBOs played a key role in
improving their members' wellbeing. The study involved members of three CBOs in Hai
District as main respondents whilst CBO managers, District Community Development
Offcer (DCDO), Ward Community Development Officer (WCDOs) were key
informants. CBOs activities were treated as independent variables while their effects on
members' lives were treated as dependent variable. This study was facilitated by field
survey. The research methodology used both qualitative and quantitative techniques for
data collection. Probability and nonprobability sampling procedures were employed.
Qualitative data were manipulated manually through content analyses while quantitative
data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Excel to
produce descriptive statistics. Research findings revealed that income of members of
CBOs increased aner joining CBOs. Multidimensional poverty index (MPI) indicated
that 12.6% of CBO members remained multidimensionally poor. Members' participation
was highly observed and they had activities that were intended for addressing shocks.
CBOs coordinated and promoted members private investments to address income
poverty. It was therefore recommended that CBOs should be strengthened financially.
CBOs should be linked to market chains, national and intemational NGOs including
building members capacities to adopt new technology in farming and refrain from rain
dependent agriculture.