The models of institutional contribution to food security in Tanzania (2002- 2013): the case of Rural Livelihood Development Company (RLDC) and National Service (JKT) Institutions

This study assessed the models of institutional contribution to food security in Tanzania (2002-2013), using a case study of two institutions, namely: National Service (JKT) Chita Ifakara and Rural Livelihood Development Company (RLDC) in Dodoma. It involved a total of 58 respondents obtained from three main strata: JKT and RLDC leaders, stakeholders, and ex-JKT recruits. Interviewees were selected from each stratum randomly and also purposefully. The data in this study were collected using desk data collection, questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion and direct observation. The major findings indicated that both JKT and RLDC were fairly contributing to food security in Tanzania. However, RLDC through a designed model played a think tank or facilitator to food production and accessibility to peasants, while JKT was largely engaged in direct production by training its youth (recruits/service men). Findings also revealed that the RLDC provided trainings and intervened on different types of production, while JKT established different food production units/camps in different parts in Tanzania to feed their own population and sometimes helping other peasants around such camps. It is concluded that institutions studied are to some extent contributing to food security but both have failed to implement the local food production regime theory. It is recommended that there is a need for establishment of knowledge and functional networks among and between institutions, peasants and other stakeholders; identification of proper and well designed institutional function model; establishment of income generating projects within institutions and improvement of information dissemination.