Rural development in Tanzania : what exists behind institutions?

Abstract

Some pockets of modern economy and society have evolved in Sub Saharan African countries. The Tanzanian economy and society have responded positively to reform, but the country has not yet reached the level of a star performer and neither has it reached middle income level. Inefficiencies, bribery and corruption are widely reported. Now and then hunger is reported in a country where sixty five percent of the population are occupied in farming in rural villages. The article advances the argument that market-supporting and other institutions are not sufficiently grounded for these institutions to assist the country to advance in rural development. Jean- Philippes Platteau’s idea of Where Real Societies Exist is used to show how, what takes place in institutions has led to poor performance of the rural sector.