Participation for Development: Does the Decentralisation Policy in Tanzania Make a Difference?

The question which level of government should bear responsibility for social services, such as health care and education, is relevant in every state. Tanzania is no exception. The current government infrastructure of Tanzania is based on the principle of Decentralisation by devolution (DbyD) and can be seen as a reaction on the previous government structure that was based on deconcentration rather then decentralisation. The aim of the decentralisation policy is to enhance participation of local communities, to support their initiatives and to gain a sustainable development of social services. For this many instruments were developed and implemented. This article reviews the actual implementation of this policy and its success for local development.