The United Republic of Tanzania is a vast country in East Africa, with a population of over 6 million. With approximately 125 spoken languages, Tanzania is very diverse.
Tanzania’s rich resource base and relative stability have resulted in a growing economy. The country has recently been identified as having lower middle income status. Improved access to social services has contributed to improved health and education.
Poor health and malnutrition
While progress has been made, challenges remain. The World Bank notes that the elasticity of poverty reduction to growth has been low. Poor health and malnutrition also continue to affect a significant number of people.
Ireland has been working in Tanzania since 1968. This work involves partnering with the government, European Union, United Nations and NGOs.
Ireland is developing its political, cultural and trade relationships with Tanzania. Ireland is supporting gender equality, climate action and sustainable food systems
Ireland’s aid work in Tanzania
Ireland's development work in Tanzania covers four key areas:
Background
Tanzania gained independence in 1961. Since then, it has been diplomatically active in the region and beyond. In March 2021, Samia Suluhu Hassan became Tanzania’s first woman president.
Tanzania has recorded progress in reducing child mortality and tackling disease. Over 80% of children are vaccinated against the major childhood diseases. Sustained progress has also been made on the prevention of HIV and malaria.
Malnutrition remains a major problem. Almost one in every three children under five is affected by malnutrition.
Agriculture and Tanzania’s rural population
Agriculture, forestry and fishing are amongst the largest economic sectors. These sectors account for 27% of GDP and the employment of a majority of Tanzanians, but the rate of growth is low. Economic growth has come from manufacturing, mining, services, construction and tourism.
The majority of farming is small-scale and carried out using hand tools. A lack of infrastructure has affected on the growth of agricultural incomes. This is particularly the case in irrigation, storage and transport.
Over 60% of people in Tanzania live in rural areas. Poverty is severe in many regions where people rely on agriculture for income. People are vulnerable to drought and food price fluctuations. Ireland's development programme focuses on supporting people in this situation.
Climate action
Tanzania is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its ecosystems, water, agriculture and food security have all been effected. Climate action and the blue economy are key focuses for Ireland in Tanzania.
For example, we work to improve the incomes of coastal communities in Tanga-Pemba. This programme enhances conservation of the coastal and marine ecosystem and biodiversity.
Ireland's work helps to promote sustainable fishing. It also aims to increase transparency and improve governance in fisheries.
Food and sustainable food systems
Ireland’s support for climate-smart agriculture in central Tanzania is yielding strong results. Working with the World Food Programme, we promote drought resistance crops. This helps farmers to diversify their production, increasing income and nutrition.
Gender equality
Ireland works with UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) to support first-time mothers and young people to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights. Peer educators and community leaders have also been trained in this area.
Promoting gender equality is central to Ireland's work in Tanzania. Women are disproportionately affected by poverty and hunger. Ireland helps to improve primary health care and access to services for women and girls.
We also support community nutrition programmes.
Combatting gender-based violence
Ireland supports Tanzanian research institutions in the area of socio-economic transformation. This helps to produce evidence for what works best, particularly around gender equality.
As with many countries around the world, gender-based violence remains problematic in Tanzania. Ireland supports access to justice for people who have experienced gender-based violence.
We do this through partnership with the UNDP’s Legal Empowerment and Access to Justice in Zanzibar (LEAP) programme.
Furthest left behind
Tanzania has been a country of refuge for people seeking international protection. There are currently over a quarter of a million refugees in Tanzania. Most of these refugees are from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ireland supports services for refugees in north-western Tanzania. These services help to provide livelihoods, food, health care and gender-based violence services.
Supporting childhood cancer services in Tanzania
In 2023, Ireland provided support to the Tanzanian NGO Tumaini La Maisha (TLM) to support childhood cancer services in Tanzania. This is part of an ongoing collaboration between TLM, Muhumbili National Hospital, Crumlin Hospital and other Irish hospitals.
The cost of treatment for childhood cancer puts it out of reach for many households in Tanzania. Despite increased coverage of services, over 60% of children with cancer in Tanzania still do not receive treatment.
With Ireland’s support, TLM can buy chemotherapy drugs and supportive care medication. They can also expand new outreach sites. These sites provide vital services to some of Tanzania’s most vulnerable people.