Application of web-based technologies in combating counterfeit products in Tanzania

This study was about investigations leading to development of a web-based system to track counterfeit products in Tanzania. It considered the use of ICT based solution in involving consumers in fighting and combating counterfeiting. The ICT solution enables consumers to get relevant counterfeiting information from control organs that they may share and also submit the information they have collected to relevant control organ. Since information is power, the widespread of counterfeiting information through ICT may reach a large population and thus help consumers when making purchasing decision.The study assessed the challenges available in the process of combating counterfeiting. As a result the study developed a prototype of web-based system with the aim of bridging the communication gap between consumers and counterfeiting control organs. The prototype may help both control organs and consumers to share relevant counterfeiting information. The study also assessed the satisfaction of consumers with the use of web-based tool in combating counterfeiting. Statistical results show that more consumers have accepted the use of web-based system in combating counterfeiting. Just as electronic mail has become popular means of official communication in some organisation, the use of ICT-based tool will depend on the good will of its users. ICT-based solution provides a way of documenting more data on counterfeiting and opens up doors for more researches on counterfeiting.