Management and governance of natural resources for national development in Tanzania: case of Natural Gas Sector

This study examined governance issues in management of natural resources in Tanzania focusing on the natural gas sector. It examines the practices of and constraints to good governance and the opportunities for good governance practices in the sector. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The study was based in Dar es Salaam and Mtwara regions. Respondents were selected purposively and grouped into nine (9) categories namely ordinary citizens, local government leaders, natural resources experts, NGOs, FBOs, Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM), TPDC, journalists and investors in the natural gas sector of Tanzania. Descriptive data analysis was adopted while the findings were presented qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings affirm that good governance practice in natural gas at a level of the government and its agencies in question that needs to be reviewed due to the fact that community and stakeholders are seldom involved in issues pertaining to natural gas. Community participation and government transparency are faced with a challenge of shortage of funds. The study concludes that opportunities of good governance in natural gas sector in Tanzania can only be realized by continuously evaluating and improving laws and policies on natural gas; ensuring proper collection and distribution of natural gas revenues, transparency, accountability, participation, and effective use of media and NGOs. The government and international organizations should empower researchers to investigate more on opportunities of good governance on natural gas sector and their significance for national and individual economic development.