The exploratory study on implementation of the technical education and training policy in the informal sector in Tanzania from 1996-2006

This study explored the extent of implementation of the Technical Education and Training Policy in the informal sector in Tanzania from 1996 to 2006. Its purpose was to assess the extent to which those working in the informal sector have been trained in different technical and entrepreneurship skills. Data were collected from a sample of 43 respondents, which consisted policy planning and implementation officials at the headquarters of three government ministries, three District Councils, Small Industries Development Organization headquarters, National Bureau of Statistics, and eight Small and Medium Enterprises in Dar es Salaam. The study employed exploratory research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review. Findings revealed that there were two main skills training providers in the informal sector, trained a small number of trainees, and concentrated in _a few, highly populated, and economically advanced regions in Tanzania. Also, in both technical and entrepreneurship skills training conducted between 2003 and 2006, various relevant skills were covered through highly participatory methods with much emphasis on food processing and general management skills. It was also found out that in the technical training programmes conducted by the main training provider, women dominated food processing; batik tie and dye; handloom weaving; tailoring, and pottery. Men dominated Timber Seasoning, Bamboo Crafting, Carpentry, Chalk making and Blacksmithing Programmes. It is recommended that the government should expand the base of training capacity for the training providers; mobilize donor assistance more effectively; -reduce gender and rural-urban imbalance in skills training; and strengthen collaboration between government organs and agencies concerned with the informal sector. Further studies should examine the impacts of the TET policy on growth of the informal sector, and find out differences in skills and incomes between the informal sector activities where training were conducted and those in which training were not offered.