Although Tanzania lacks many of the economic, social, and political resources often considered fundamental to socialist development, under Julius Nyerere’s leadership the country has pursued a socialist strategy of development with remarkable persistence and energy. This volume, written from a wide range of perspectives by both Tanzanian and non-Tanzanian scholars, assesses the success of the national effort. Specific topics include the role of the public sector, the efforts to promote a socialist pattern of agricultural development, and the role of the party.
The viability of Nyerere’s approach is a matter of continuing debate. Marxist scholars have become increasingly critical of Tanzania’s ideology as well as its strategy. Non-Marxists, while acknowledging Tanzania’s many peculiar problems, continue to support the aims and strategies outlined in the Arusha Declaration. This book, which includes vigorous statements from both interpretive schools, provides unique access to the fundamental issues of debate on Tanzania’s future. The volume concludes with an extended interim assessment of Tanzania’s transition to socialism written from a democratic socialist perspective.

BISMARCK U. MWANSASU has taught at the University of Dar es Salaam at Kivukoni College, Dar es Salaam, and is currently a regional development secretary in Moshi, Tanznia. He is co-editor with A.H. Rweyemamu of Planning in Tanzania: Background to Decentralization.

Bismarck Mwansasu's profile page

CRANFORD PRATT is a professor in the Department of Political Economy at the University of Toronto and author of The Critical Phase in Tanzania, 1945-68: Nyerere and the Emergenc of a Socialist Strategy.

Cranford Pratt's profile page

‘…compelling and rewarding reading. Pratt’s concluding chapter offers an excellent analytical summary of the problems and progress Tanzania has experiences…his review of the theoretical an ideological considerations of the debate succinctly identifies the practical realities which Tanzania faces.’

Choice