Institutionalization of weak policy ownership in Tanzania exploring the role of think tanks

This study was set out to explore the role of Thank Tanks (TTs) in the promotion of policy ownership under the era of development partnership in Tanzania. The study uses the two think tanks as case studies, namely, Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) and Research on Poverty and Poverty Alleviation (REPOA) These organizations have been playing a key role in the promotion of policy ownership in Tanzania for more two decades. The study is based on the assumption that even though TTs should play a significant role in policy dialogue so as to enhance country ownership of development policies and that policy ownership is a crucial factor for the success of development interventions, they are also being used by the global development partners as subtle instruments to erode policy ownership is a crucial factor for the success of development interventions, they are also being used by the global development partners as subtle instruments to erode policy ownership in developing countries. In order to demonstrate this hypothesis, the researcher used data from in-depth expert interviews and documentary review. The study employed the qualitative research design to collect, organize and analyse data. Thematic data analysis was used to organise data. The study findings suggest that TTs’ policy research agenda reflects the neo-liberal reform policies being promoted by the global development community such as development partners/ donors and multi-national agencies. Both the ESSRF and REPOA were founded and financed by the donors and this affects their choice of policy research agenda. It was further found out that through organizing policy dialogues and conducting consultancy assignments, TTs play the role of legitimization of neo-liberal policies in Tanzania. Therefore, TTs do not play their basic function of presenting alternative policy analysis for empowering the government to reclaim policy ownership but play a role of institutionalizing weak policy making practices in Tanzania. The study recommends that given the fact that pragmatic policy ownership cannot be achieved through prescriptions from the donor community or any foreign power, there is a need to reconsider domestic political processes for fostering genuine policy ownership. It also recommends for the importance of enhancing domestic resources in financing TTs’ activities as one of the alternatives that can reduce the depoliticizing effect of donor oriented policy ownership and thus boost genuine policy ownership in Tanzania.