Monitoring and evaluating development policies: a case of Tanzania trade policy 2003-2016

This study aimed at examining the policy process of monitoring and evaluating Tanzania trade policy in the context of development policies. By so doing, the responsible mechanism was assessed and relevant suggestions were made. The methodology used was the mixed one: qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed. Data were collected using Focus Group Discussion (FGD), interviews and documentary review. Purposive and random sampling was applied to get participants. A total of 32 participants participated. The study found that the majority of government officers were aware of the existence of the policy, but their level of involvement in monitoring and evaluating was found to be low. The best informed were seniors and the worst informed were the juniors. It was found that there is a lack of centralization of policy monitoring and evaluation. This requires specific legislation for the purpose of enforcing the process. The study provides the following recommendations: firstly, the monitoring and evaluation of public policies becomes enforceable by law and regulated by special board under the President’s Office. Secondly, the government should create enabling environment for greater involvement of implementing officers in M&E exercises. Thirdly, the sectoral ministries M&E units should be strengthened and become responsible to the central board for monitoring and evaluation.