THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION,
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH

AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

2010
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS iii

FOREWORD v

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Situation Analysis 3
2.0 RATIONALE, SCOPE, VISION, MISSION AND 8
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
3.0 POLICY ISSUES, SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND 11
POLICY STATEMENTS
4.0 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK 29

5.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE R&D 36

POLICY

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY ii

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

CBOs Community Based Organisations

CCM Chama Cha Mapinduzi
COSTECH Commission for Science and Technology
ESRF Economic and Social Research Foundation
FBOs Faith Based Organizations
GDP Gross Domestic Product
HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired
Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
IHI Ifakara Health Institute
IPR Intellectual Property Rights
LGAs Local Government Authorities
MDGs Millennium Development Goals

MKUKUTA Mkakati wa Kukuza Uchumi na Kupunguza

Umaskini Tanzania
NEMC National Environmental Management
Council
NFAST National Fund for Advancement of Science
and Technology
NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations
NIMR National Institute for Medical Research
NRA National Research Agenda
NRF National Research Fund
R&D Research and Development
REPOA Research on Poverty Alleviation
S&T Science and Technology
SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises

iii THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 STI Science, Technology and Innovation
SWAAT Society for Women and Aids Africa -Tanzania
TaCRI Tanzania Coffee Research Institute
TAFIRI Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute
TAFORI Tanzania Forestry Research Institute
TaTEDO Tanzania Technology Development
Organization
TAWIRI Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute
TGNP Tanzania Gender Network Programme
TRIT Tea Research Institute of Tanzania

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY iv

FOREWORD

Research plays a very crucial role in the socio-economic

development of any society. It can lead to the improvement
of the quality of people’s life e.g. by increasing life expectancy,
enhancing agricultural productivity and food security, and
developing technologies that would simplify people’s lives.
Arguably, research has been responsible for the economic
prosperity currently enjoyed by all developed nations. The
industrial revolution in Europe during the 18th and 19th
centuries was based on extensive scientific research that led
to a lot of discoveries by scientists of countries like Germany,
England, France and Italy. These discoveries include the steam
engine, manufacturing processes, machines and machine tools,
textiles, pharmaceuticals, agro-chemicals, industrial chemicals
and electricity. Thus, R&D cannot be separated from the
development and competitive capacities and capabilities of a
nation.

Tanzania has for many years been undertaking significant

scientific research albeit in few areas. However, these research
results have not been translated into tangible products,
processes and services for development purposes. As such,
the country is struggling to meet the basic needs of its people
such as adequate food, clothing, shelter, health and education
so as to substantially raise the living standards of the people.
The developmental impact of R&D activities has been
constrained by a number of challenges which include weak and
uncoordinated leadership in the R&D system, the presence of
weak multi-disciplinary interaction and collaboration among
R&D institutions, exclusion of socio-economic research,
inadequate mechanisms of including new and emerging
research areas into the national research agenda, and low
participation of the private sector in research activities. The
above challenges have also been exacerbated by inadequate
human resource; over dependence on foreign funding and

v THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 inadequate appreciation of the role of research in national
development. Consequently, research has not contributed to
the country’s development as it should have been.

Pursuant to the above, a clear research policy is necessary

to guide stakeholders on effective and efficient resources
utilization; strengthening and improvement of research activity;
and to continuously address quality and relevance with respect
to the problems and needs of the society. This policy is geared
to strengthen the country’s research capability and capacity
so as to bring about increased national competitiveness. This
Research and Development Policy, therefore assumes the
responsibility for providing guidance on how research should
be conducted in all sectors of the economy; to establish an
appropriate coordination and management system of research
activities in the country; to set clear and realistic priorities for
research on short, medium and long term basis; to rationalize
the use of the country’s natural resources through scientifical
and technological research and development activities; to
ensure adequate budgetary allocation by the government to
research and set a mechanism for increasing the share of the
private sector in funding research and development.

It is worth noting that the formulation of this policy involved

a number of stakeholders. On behalf of the Ministry of
Communication, Science and Technology, I would like to give
my thanks to all who contributed to the formulation of this
Policy.

Prof. Peter M. Msolla (MP)

Minister for Communication, Science and Technology
October 2010

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY vi

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The contribution of research in development cannot

be over emphasized. The main goal of research is
to serve as an instrument through which to improve
people’s living standards by stimulating growth and
increased productivity in critical productive sectors of
the economy. At the level of enterprises, research can
bring about product innovations, product improvement,
increased service efficiency, effectiveness, and improved
performance in the market place.

Policies aimed at guiding research play an important

role in planning national economic development. These
policies have been changing with time to reflect societal
needs. Principally, these policies have moved through
three eras. The 1960s and early 1970s was the era of
Science Policy whereas the 1970s and 1980s was the era of
Science and Technology (S&T) policies. The 1990s to 2000s
is characterized by Science, Technology and Innovation
(STI). As opposed to the first two previous eras, the STI era
emphasizes the role of science in national development,
and it fully integrates research into the national
development vision and implementation strategies. This
ensures that the scientific and technological knowledge
generated by research institutions is responsive to the
socio-economic needs of the country.

History indicates that countries which have embraced

well focused research policies have managed to create
competitive economies. Indeed, one of the reasons for
the dismal economic performance of many developing
countries despite their natural resources endowment, is

1 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 their inability to formulate and implement comprehensive
Research and Development (R&D) policies on one hand,
and their inability to use research results to harness their
resources for improving livelihood on the other.

Gauged in this context, R&D activities in Tanzania

have been guided through the National Science and
Technology Policy of 1996. However, the present policy
does not explicitly give guidance on ways to address
important gaps which are found in the R&D system.
Despite the government efforts to establish a number
of R&D institutions as well as training of researchers in
the country, the benefits of research have not been fully
realized. Only few research results have been converted
into tangible products. Lack of adequate incentives too
seems to lower Tanzanian firms’ interest in investing in
R&D. In addition, the system of research management
and funding is weak and not properly coordinated.
Furthermore, researchers have not been adequately
rewarded on the basis of their research results, partly
on account of poor marketing and little protection of
intellectual property rights. All these shortcomings are
to a great extent caused by inadequate guiding policies.

In order to facilitate enhanced research performance

within a clear national framework, a well-articulated
research and development policy that would match the
realities of the 21st century has been formulated. This
policy constitutes a milestone geared towards providing
a framework through which linkage, coordination and
harmonization of existing and new mechanisms will
support other policies and initiatives to achieve the
national vision of a middle income country by the year
2025. Through the implementation of this policy, Tanzania
will be able to address the challenges of technological
innovations and globalization which, if not timely and

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 2

 properly addressed, will continue to marginalize our
country in the global scene. This marginalization will
relegate Tanzania to a mere supplier of raw materials,
reducing her to a shopping mall for goods and services
produced elsewhere in the world. In broad terms, this
policy emphasizes that research undertaking in Tanzania
should be directed towards generating knowledge, and
building skills deemed to be of lasting benefit to the
country.

1.2 Situation Analysis

1.2.1 Coordination and Management of the R&D System

The ministry responsible for science and technology

is mandated to coordinate research and development
activities in the country. However, there are ministries
that oversee research and development activities in their
respective sectors. On the other hand, the National
Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH),
which was established by Act No. 7 of 1986 (CAP 226 R.E.
2002), is the principal advisory organ to the Government
on all matters pertaining to scientific research,
technological development and coordination of research
activities in the country.

1.2.2 Research and Development Institutions

In Tanzania, most researches are conducted by public

research institutions, higher learning institutions and
private research institutions. The rest of the researches
are being conducted outside formalized institutions. It
should be noted that some of the research institutions have
ultra modern laboratories and world class researchers
and technicians.

3 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 The public research institutions in the country include
sixteen (16) agricultural research institutions and
stations; six (6) in animal sciences and animal diseases;
nine (9) in human health, nutrition and medical sciences;
six (6) in natural resources; and seven (7) in industry.
All the public institutions operate under their respective
ministerial administrations. With the exceptions of the
agriculture and livestock research institutions, most
research institutions are administratively organized
under an umbrella body that enjoys a level of autonomy
from the parent ministries. Such bodies include the
Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), the
National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), the
Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), and the
Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI).

In recent years, a number of private organizations have

started to engage in research, largely in the social sciences.
These institutions include the Economic and Social
Research Foundation (ESRF); the Research for Poverty
Alleviation (REPOA); the Tanzania Gender Networking
Programme (TGNP); the Society for Women and Aids
in Africa -Tanzania (SWAAT) and private universities.
In addition, there are few private research institutions
that are involved in scientific research. These include the
Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), the Tea Research Institute of
Tanzania (TRIT), the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute
(TaCRI); and the Tanzania Technology Development
Organization (TaTEDO).

Tanzania is experiencing a fast growth in the number of

tertiary institutions. Currently, there are 31 Universities
and University Colleges in the country. Nevertheless,
most of the newly established universities and colleges
have very little research activities in fields of science
and technology, partly due to heavy capital investments

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 4

 needed to acquire the necessary infrastructure (laboratory
equipment and reagents) and human resources.

1.2.3 Achievements of R&D Activities in Tanzania

Over the years, R&D institutions in Tanzania have

produced a number of research results, some of which
have been applied to solve major societal problems.
These include:

i. eradication of tsetse flies in Zanzibar;

ii. evaluation of health interventions against major disease
burdens through use of drugs and treated nets;
iii. the production of Boswellia species and commercialization
of Frankincense in the dry lands of Eastern Africa;
iv. conservation of indigenous fruits and development of
tree biotechnology;
v. development of new drugs and formulations from
indigenous plants for treating skin diseases and creating
nutritional supplements, immune-boosters and anti-
malarial drugs;
vi. breeding of crop varieties that have been fully
commercialized;
vii. development of improved breeds of cattle, goats, sheep,
chicken;
viii. evaluation of pesticides against various pests and
diseases;
ix. introduction and commercialization of seaweed farming;
x. development and dissemination of equipment and
machinery for agro-processing, mining, construction,
animal traction, transportation, etc;
xi. development of better environment and natural resources
management methods.

5 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 1.2.4 Challenges of R&D in Tanzania

Notwithstanding the above achievements, a number of

challenges still remain. These include inadequate use of
multi-disciplinary approach to researchers among R&D
institutions; inadequate appreciation of socio-economic
aspects in research and development; lack of emphasis
on socio-economic research into the national research
agenda. Furthermore, there is inadequate supportive
environment for private sector involvement in research;
inadequate mechanisms for technology transfer and
commercialization of research results. Also, there has
been inadequate funding for research activities, and
where funds have been available, research has not been
focused towards addressing societal problems.

Other challenges on R&D activities include inadequate

mechanism for training and hiring researchers, and
lack of a national framework for identifying research
priorities and strengthening coordination of the roles
of different ministries, government departments and
agencies. The administrative and legal framework to
govern the equitable sharing of research benefits between
foreign researchers and local researchers is still far from
adequate. Finally, there are challenges related to research
ethics.

Whereas this situation can be attributed to historical

factors, a look at the extensive reforms that have
occurred in other areas such as those in the central and
local government system over the last three decades can
explain the lack of commensurate reforms in the R&D.
With exception of a few that were established during the
colonial period and the ones established recently, most
of the R&D institutions in the country were established

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 6

in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These were aimed at
providing technological support to government managed
productive entities in various sectors such as industry,
agriculture, livestock, fisheries, health, housing, water,
energy and the military.

With the government relinquishing its role in production

activities, many of these organizations suffered a prolonged
period of inadequate funding, and consequently lost
their active links with the sectors they once supported.
As a survival strategy, these institutions embarked on
activities of little research relevance but which aimed at
supporting their own operational budgets. In certain
cases, they were involved in international funded research
that did not necessarily focus on national priority themes.

7 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 2.0 RATIONALE, SCOPE, VISION, MISSION AND
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
2.1 Rationale and Justification

Socio-economic reforms of the 1990s in Tanzania resulted

into the formulation of various policies which embraced
a liberalized socio-economic system. These policies
focused on the promotion of the private sector as a major
contributor to the national economy, singly or through
public-private partnership. Unfortunately, the socio-
economic reforms have not been undertaken in tandem
with the required reforms in the R&D systems.

On the other hand, the increasingly globalised world

requires nations to create an enabling environment that
will facilitate active participation of the private sector
in improving their respective economies. Given the
significant role of R&D in national development, it is
imperative that Tanzania formulates an R&D policy and
fully integrates it into its National Development Vision.
This will ensure that the scientific and technological
knowledge generated by research institutions is relevant
and responsive to the socio-economic needs of the
country. In addition, as a response to its economic reform,
the National Development Vision 2025 commits Tanzania
to build a strong, dynamic, resilient and competitive
national economy. It aims to develop a competitive
knowledge economy which is skill-based, knowledge
and innovation driven, and thus capable of generating
and sustaining dynamic development.

The above social objectives are noble, and achieving

them will improve the well being of the vast majority
of Tanzanians. It goes without saying, however, that
achievement of a steady and dynamic growth of the

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 8

 national economy will require enhanced knowledge and
understanding that underlie new technologies and skills
that can only be attained through well guided research
undertakings. This policy therefore aligns R&D activities
to the aspiration of the nation as spelt out in the Tanzania
Development Vision 2025; the Tanzania Mini Tiger
Plan, 2020; the MKUKUTA, 2005 and the Chama Cha
Mapinduzi (CCM) Election Manifesto of 2005.

Finally, the formulation of an R&D policy is necessary

due to the fact that the National Science and Technology
Policy of 1996 that addresses issues of research was
formulated based on the old policy model that puts more
emphasis on the supply side of R&D at the expense of
the demand side that involves the role of innovation
and market forces. This policy further emphasizes on
innovation and commercialization of research results
which are key in bringing about economic growth while
at the same time solving societal problems.

2.2 Scope of the R&D Policy

The Research and Development policy is central to

national development. Its implementation embraces
elements of particular interest and relevance, and it
applies to the following:

i. The Government ministries, departments and agencies;

ii. The private sector, NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, professional
associations and development partners;
iii. All infrastructure, research resources, governance/
institutional set up, information dissemination structures
and social amenities belonging to the government;
iv. All staff, temporary and permanent, who are active in
research, administration and provision of any form of

9 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 support to the core functions of R&D institutions;
v. All development partners as well as the diaspora.

2.3 Vision

To be a nation with a strong, dynamic, resilient and

competitive economy that is both knowledge based and
innovation driven.

2.4 Mission

To develop a research system that will increase the

outcome and efficiency of R&D, leading to sustainable
socio-economic development.

2.5 General Objective

The general objective of the National Research and

Development Policy is to provide guidance to researchers
in the public and private sector, policy and decision-
makers, as well as development partners in addressing
present and future national research challenges for socio-
economic development.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 10

3.0 POLICY ISSUES, SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND
POLICY STATEMENTS

The Research and Development Policy of 2010 seeks to

address the challenges of Research and Development as
discussed in the introduction. Its purpose is to increase
the contribution of research to the development of the
country. In the light of the vision and mission presented
above, the following ten focal areas of policy have been
identified for articulation:

i. Strategic R&D leadership and institutional framework;

ii. Prioritization of research areas;
iii. Enhancement of research capacity in ICT and socio-
economic disciplines;
iv. Commercialization and dissemination of research results;
v. Human resource development and management;
vi. Financing of research and development;
vii. Research ethics and intellectual property rights;
viii. Collaboration, partnership and networking;
ix. Regional and international cooperation; and
x. Cross cutting issues (gender, environment, and
occupational risks e.g. HIV/AIDS)

3.1 Strategic R&D Leadership and Institutional

Framework

Issue: Inadequately harmonized leadership and institutional

capacity to manage and guide R&D activities
In a number of developed and emerging economies the

11 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 typical leadership and governance of the R&D system is
structured under four levels. The first level constitutes a
High-level mechanism for R&D policy foresight and national
strategic positioning. This is a mechanism which is often
placed within the planning unit of the government.
It carries out oversight functions such as developing a
forward-thinking culture about market and technology
opportunities and threats; establishing a vision of the
future strategic research areas; and providing a platform
where R&D budgets get their priority within the overall
government budget.

The second level is constituted by the government

ministry responsible for R&D governance. This forms the
government instrument which, in collaboration with
other sectoral ministries, formulates policies, facilitates
implementation of R&D programmes, regulates the
sector, and monitors and evaluates performance. At the
third level is the R&D central coordinating and regulatory
bodies. These include organizations that are often not
directly within the government. Their roles include
coordinating, promoting and regulating the R&D sector
in the country. Performers of R&D activities constitute the
fourth level. These include public and private firms,
organizations, institutions and communities, which are
responsible for carrying out research activities.

In the light of the above, the current R&D coordination

and management lacks this unified outlook and fore-
sighting mechanism. The ministry responsible for R&D
plays a marginal role in relation to research activities
conducted in other ministries. COSTECH in its present
structure, level of funding and staffing has inadequate
capacity to discharge its mandate. As such, there is a need
to review the existing legal framework which established
different R&D institutions and put in place a new legal and

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 12

 regulatory framework that will enhance research activities,
fore sighting, effective coordination, dissemination and
commercialization of research findings and monitoring
and evaluation of research activities at national level.
The proposed review should include reforming and
financially supporting COSTECH to effectively discharge
its mandate.

Objective
Establishing effective R&D coordination, guidance and
foresight mechanism through a harmonized institutional
framework

Policy Statements
The Government in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:

i. Establish foresight mechanisms in the national planning

unit for R&D policy foresight and national strategic
positioning;
ii. Harmonize the roles of different ministries, departments
and agencies in coordinating research matters;
iii. Carry out a review of sectoral policies and legislation
establishing the existing R&D institutions in order to
foster efficiency and productivity;
iv. Reform COSTECH so that it can effectively discharge
its mandate of research coordination, promotion,
monitoring and evaluation, R&D performance audit, as
well as data and information management.

13 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 3.2 Prioritization of Research Areas

Issue: Ineffective mechanism for setting up priority research

areas that have direct benefits to national economic
growth, societal and human welfare

The R&D system in the country comprises most of the

elements required to contribute to technological and
economic development. In spite of this, the effectiveness
and efficiency of the R&D system in the country is low
due to, among other things, ineffective mechanism to
prioritize and guide the R&D agenda that responds to
national development needs and priorities.

The government, through this policy initiative has

established a mechanism that will be used to identify
and set up priorities, and put in place implementation
strategies of the National Research and Development
Agenda (NRDA). Apart from ensuring efficiency and
effectiveness of R&D, the mechanism will provide for
a system of reconnaissance, fore-sighting, planning,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation within the
national R&D institutional and regulatory framework.
In accomplishing these, the mechanism will adopt
participatory approaches that guarantee inclusiveness
and ownership across all levels of society.

The priority setting will take into consideration the

available human, physical and financial resources, natural
resource endowments, areas of competitive advantage,
impact of interventions on economic development as well
as on societal and human welfare.

Objectives
i. Creating a mechanism for setting up and periodically
reviewing research priority areas and identifying

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 14

 strategic research areas which are important to national
security and economic growth.
ii. Aligning research planning, implementation, monitoring
and evaluation as well as reporting to the national
development agenda.

Policy Statements
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Establish mechanisms for setting up short, medium,
long-term and strategic research priorities in line with
the national development agenda;
ii. Ensure that priority setting is inclusive and based on the
societal needs; and
iii. Support and fund research activities that enhance
societal and human well-being as well as those which
are of national importance.

3.3 Enhancing Research Capacity in ICT and Social

Economic Disciplines

Issue: Weak and low socio-economic research and use of ICT

in research undertaking

Much as Tanzania has a large number of R&D institutions

and centers, it is worth noting that these institutions
are mainly concentrated in the agricultural, health and
industrial sectors and to a lesser extent on socio-economic
and ICT research. However, with the changing global
economic landscape and the entry of new technologies in
the market, there is a need for Tanzania to create research
capacity in socio-economic disciplines including areas of
policy, finance, administration, security, transport, crime
and ICT. Results from socio-economic discipline areas and
ICT (i.e. making use of ICT in research) will complement

15 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 the enormous amount of research outcomes from the
physical and biological sciences in promoting economic
growth and societal well-being.

In addition, most R&D institutions in Tanzania do not

have adequate capacities to address issues through the
use of ICT. Therefore, there is a need to create an enabling
environment to facilitate effective exploitation of ICT in all
sectors of life. This can be done through capacity building
and investment in terms of ICT infrastructure in R&D
institutions.

Objective
i. Increasing the contribution of research in socio-economic
disciplines and ICT for national development, and
ii. Increasing the use of ICT in research.

Policy Statements
The Government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Facilitate the establishment of R&D institutions and
centers of excellence in ICT and socio-economics
disciplines;
ii. Facilitate and encourage the R&D establishments to
expand their research areas into ICT and socio-economics
fields; and
iii. Facilitate R&D institutions to increase the use of ICT in
research.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 16

3.4 Commercialization and Dissemination of Research
Results

Issue: Ineffective mechanism for ensuring that research results

and developed technologies are commercialized and
disseminated

While Tanzania’s R&D undertakings have produced

convincing results, only few have been converted
into tangible products, processes and services to-
date. The failure to utilize research results can be
attributed to several factors, including inadequacy of
important elements for accelerating their uptake. These
elements include the absence of an adequate number of
incubation centres and clusters; science and engineering
entrepreneurship centers; venture capital; management
of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and mechanisms for
standardization of research products. Other factors are
inadequate participation of local industries into research
activities.

Pursuant to the above, the R&D policy needs to provide

guidance and spell out mechanisms as to how industries
will be linked to R&D institutions in order to permit the
diffusion of new technologies and increase efficiency.
Furthermore, it is important that mechanisms to allow
and facilitate researchers (including public research
institutions) to market their research results are instituted.
Currently, such activities are considered to be outside
their mandate. Researchers and research institutes are to
be encouraged to form commercial (spin-off) companies,

17 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 or partner with other players from the private sector. It is
possible for Tanzania to accelerate the development of its
local industries and create a vibrant private sector through
such an initiative. In the long term, this will enable the
country to not only reduce dependency on imported
goods, but also create employment opportunities for its
citizens.

Objectives
i. Establishing effective mechanisms that will ensure the
identification and translation of innovative research
results into products, processes and services;
ii. Establishing an efficient management system for
commercialization and dissemination of innovative
research results;
iii. Ensuring that R&D institutions collaborate with local
industries (including small and medium enterprises) in
up-scaling the local technologies and skills in order to
produce quality products and services; and
iv. Ensuring that COSTECH takes a lead in gathering and
dissemination of research results in the country.

Policy Statements
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Facilitate putting in place institutions required for
commercialization of research results like incubation
centers, clusters and engineering entrepreneurship
centers and venture capital;
ii. Develop and enforce mechanisms for setting standards
for different technologies;
iii. Establish legal mechanisms for the development and
enforcement of IPR;
iv. Facilitate development of mechanisms that allow
researchers and research institutes/centers to market

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 18

 their technologies and continuously benefit from the
their work;
v. Promote local industries to establish linkages with R&D
institutions;
vi. Develop incentive mechanisms to attract industries to
engage into R&D activities.

3.5 Human Resource Development and Management

Issue: Ineffective mechanism to develop, motivate and retain

adequate and competent human resource

Research activities by their nature require highly

specialized manpower that is not readily available in the
labour market. Development of such manpower requires
a long term well thought and coordinated training,
a deployment programme and motivation. Research
activities also need to set targets in line with existing and
future requirements and have comprehensive succession
plans to address staff attrition (retirements, demise,
turnovers, etc).

Currently, planning for human resource is one of the weak

areas within the R&D system as the decision in relation
to human resource development is vested with ministries
responsible for labor and public service management.
Besides, development of human resource needs to go in
tandem with the development of necessary infrastructure
such as provision of communication facilities, power, water
and well equipped laboratory facilities. Consequently, a
conducive working environment will be created to retain
and attract competent staff.

Objectives
i. Establishing and implementing a human resource
development programme focusing on short, medium

19 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 and long-term research needs;
ii. Creating a conducive working environment through
provision of necessary infrastructure, better remuneration
and incentives.

Policy Statements
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Put in place a mechanism for strategic research staff
training and retraining, deployment, and a succession
plan;
ii. Provide optimal motivation to research staff through
promotion and recognition of their achievements.

3.6 Financing of Research and Development

Issue: Low funding of research activities

Over the years the government has been allocating funds

to R&D activities through ministries and local government
authorities, and only a proportionately low amount
was allocated to the national R&D coordination body
through the National Fund for Advancement of Science
and Technology (NFAST). Although this ‘decentralized’
funding approach is desirable in some ways, the practice
had a number of short comings, including:

i. Not fostering competition and peer reviewing in the

allocation of funds to particular activities;
ii. Not being able to make clear evaluation and monitoring
of the effectiveness of the allocated funds; and
iii. Difficulty to quantify the overall government budgetary
spending on R&D activities and assess the economic
impact.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 20

 In order to overcome these shortcomings, most of the
government funding needs to be concentrated and
focused through a creation of the National Research Fund
(NRF) from which national research programmes will be
financed. Some mechanism should be established to attract
development partners and private sector to contribute to
the National Research Fund. The allocated funds will
mainly be used for human resource development, national
research programmes and commercialization of viable
research results.

Objectives
i. Ensuring adequate funds are allocated to research
activities;
ii. Motivating private sector/industry, development
partners and individuals to contribute to research
funding.

Policy Statements
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Create a National Research Fund (NRF) and allocate to
this fund not less than 1% of the GDP annually;
ii. Create conducive environment to attract research
funding from the private sector, development partners
and individuals.

21 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 3.7 Research Ethics and Intellectual Property Rights

Issue: Inadequate mechanism to ensure that researchers

adhere to research ethics and uphold intellectual
property rights

Research activities are carried out in accordance with

acceptable ethical requirements. Ethics in research take
into account such matters as protection of research subjects
and safeguarding the environment; acknowledging
sources; copyrights and patents; integrity in connection
with fabrication of data, cheating and non-transparency;
disclosure of confidential information; plagiarism and
falsification. Currently, there is variation in the extent to
which research ethics management is institutionalized
in the country. Furthermore, management of ethics is
uncoordinated, fragmented, and accompanied by a weak
ethical review system. While certain sectors such as the
health sector maintain a research ethics management
system up to the national level, other sectors do not.
Some higher learning institutions have internal research
ethics guidelines. Yet others have internal guidelines that
are not necessarily comprehensive. Therefore there is a
need to strengthen and formalize collaboration between
institutions/countries and individuals in conducting the
research, sharing research results, as well as strengthening
research review mechanisms.

Objectives
i. Strengthening ethics management;
ii. Fostering equitable sharing of research resources and
benefits/IPR, particularly with local researchers/
institutions/research communities.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 22

Policy Statements
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Establish research ethics review mechanisms in all
sectors;
ii. Strengthen local capacity to monitor compliance with
national intellectual property rights and legislations
governing copyrights in Tanzania;
iii. Ensure equitable sharing of research resources and
benefits.

3.8 Collaboration, Partnership and Networking

Issue: Inadequate collaboration among researchers from

different disciplines/institutions and the private sector
so as to optimize the use of resources and increase
efficiency

Researchers in the R&D institutions have limited

interaction and collaboration between each other. This
trend has led to inefficient use of research equipment and
human resource as well as poor sharing of knowledge
and experiences. In order to optimize the use of these
resources, it is important that a legal and administrative
framework is put in place to foster collaboration as well
as sharing of some critical resources among research
institutions. This will reduce inefficiency in R&D activities,
such as purchasing the same type of expensive scientific
equipment for different R&D institutions which are located
in close proximity. In addition, where commercialization
of research results requires a multi-disciplinary team
and involvement of the private sector, there should be a
mechanism to easily assemble such a team.

23 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 Objectives
i. Establishing and institutionalizing an efficient system
of partnership, networking and collaboration among
researchers and private sector;
ii. Creating a favorable environment for cooperation and
partnership for R&D institutions in the country.

Policy Statements
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Establish legal and administrative framework to promote
partnership, networking and collaboration across
disciplines, the private sector and R&D institutions;
ii. Promote R&D activities which are carried out by
conglomerates of R&D institutions;
iii. Encourage R&D institutions to formulate their own
research policies that will promote collaboration in line
with the national research policy.

3.9 Regional and International Cooperation

Issue: Inadequate participation of Tanzania in strategic

international R&D systems

There is a need to develop strategic partnership and

collaboration between the government and R&D
institutions at regional and international levels including
the diaspora. Despite the government’s efforts to foster
collaboration between R&D institutions and development
partners, the involvement of the diaspora has been
minimal. As a result, Tanzania has missed out on critical
opportunities, such as capacity building in terms of human
resources and facilities; rational utilization of resources;
and transfer of knowledge, technology and materials at
the national and international levels.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 24

 Given the above circumstances, there is need to facilitate
local researchers’ network with foreign researchers and
the diaspora in order for them to harness their expertise
and experience for national development. Nevertheless,
in order for the country to benefit fully from such
cooperation, the current internal regulatory mechanisms
for external researchers need to be strengthened. This is
aimed at ensuring that external researchers obtain proper
permits for carrying out any research activity in Tanzania.
Furthermore, it is important to ensure that external
researchers do not take away research materials and
outcomes without authorization.

Objectives
i. Promoting strategic partnership and collaboration
between research institutions, the government, regional
and international development partners, including the
diaspora;
ii. Strengthening collaboration between the national
research coordinating body, research institutions and
other regional and international coordinating bodies.

Policy Statements
The Government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Promote strategic partnerships, collaborative
partnerships and working relationships between
local researchers, R&D institutions and regional and
international development partners and the Diaspora;
ii. Strengthen regulation and monitoring of internal and
external research activities in the country; and
iii. Develop a mechanism for continuous popularization of
research activities and outputs through various fora.

25 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 3.10 Cross Cutting Issues

3.10.1 Gender and Other Factors of Inequality

Issue: Un-equitable participation and benefits in respect to

R&D activities
The government has put in place policies, laws and action
plans for equitable distribution of social and economic
opportunities including those related to research resources,
opportunities, education and training. Currently, there
exist a number of policies aimed at promoting gender
issues. Notwithstanding, there are still wide disparities
within the population in terms of research opportunity,
access to research resources, and the benefit of research
results. Resources and opportunities have tended not
to benefit rural peasants, women, and people with
disabilities, orphans, and some ethnic groups. There is
therefore a need to redress these disparities.

Objectives
i. Taking affirmative action in promoting research that
addresses challenges facing disadvantaged groups of
people;
ii. Empowering all segments of the population to benefit
from research results.

Policy Statements
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Ensure that research activities and benefits accrued from
research do not discriminate against disadvantaged
groups;
ii. Ensure equitable access to research funds, education and
training.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 26

3.10.2 Environment

Issue: Inadequate protection of the environment during

research undertakings

Human actions have been environmentally destructive,

leading to concerns about sustainable development despite
a number of policies formulated by the government on
environment issues. However, considerable global and
national efforts towards redressing the effects of human
actions on the environment have been undertaken. These
efforts have yet to bear lasting impact. Research, like any
other human action, has to be undertaken such that its
negative impact on environment is minimized.

Objectives
i. Minimizing the effects of research undertaking on the
environment;
ii. Promoting research that is beneficial to the environment.

Policy Statements
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Ensure that research undertakings abide by environmental
policies, laws and regulations;
ii. Ensure regular assessment and monitoring of research
undertaking with regard to their impact on environment;
and
iii. Facilitate and promote research that has positive impact
to the environment.

27 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 3.10.3 Occupational Risks Including HIV/AIDS

Issue: Increasing occupational risks and HIV/AIDS among

research staff

Researchers and their supporting staff are exposed to

various occupational risks which are associated with their
activities. These include contracting HIV/AIDS and other
infectious diseases. Contracting HIV/AIDS and other
infectious diseases is more likely for researchers working
in bio-medical research that involve handling infectious
materials. This risk also applies to researchers in other
disciplines and their supporting staff who conduct long
field trips or attend conferences that keep them away from
their families for long periods. Other occupational risks
from research activities can result into severe injuries,
disabilities, and loss of life, which will have significant
impact on the productivity of R&D.

Objective
Mitigating the risks associated with research activities to
research staff.

Policy Statements
The government in collaboration with other stakeholders
shall:
i. Create awareness of HIV/AIDS in relation to research
activities, and prevention measures;
ii. Create awareness of the occupational risks associated
with R&D activities;
iii. Encourage R&D institutions to take precautionary
measures to reduce risks associated with research
activities.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 28

4.0 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

The implementation of the National Research and

Development Policy is vested in the hands of various
stakeholders. It is important to note that the common
and shared vision, mission and objectives as clearly
defined in the policy will be realized only if the various
actors play their roles effectively. In this section, roles
and responsibilities of various stakeholders including
the government, the private sector, and civil society
organizations have been articulated as follows:

4.1 Roles and Responsibilities of the Central Government

(a) Ministry responsible for research and development

The ministry responsible for Research and Development
has the mandate for the implementation of the National
Research and Development Policy and ensuring that
national strategic goals are set and achieved. The Ministry
will determine policy orientation and implementable
strategies, and from time to time, review the policy and
legislation, prepare conducive environment for sectoral
coordination and integration. It will also take into account
the availability of financial resources as well as different
legal and regulatory frameworks for Research and
Development activities.

This policy recognizes different sectoral policies, as

they are important in achieving its objectives. For the
implementation of this policy, the ministry responsible for
research and development will ensure that this policy is
harmonized with other sectoral policies, and that other
stakeholders interested in Research and Development are
fully involved.

29 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 (b) Ministry responsible for national economic planning
As the strategic think-tank in managing the economy
on long term basis, the body responsible for national
economic planning (currently President’s Office-Planning
Commission) will play a strategic role in reviewing
and assessing the impact of R&D policy with a view of
identifying strengths and weaknesses; hence, supporting
the implementation process. In addition, it will be involved
in identifying national strategic and priority research areas
and research lines.

(c) Ministry responsible for environment protection

The National Research and Development Policy has to be
implemented closely with the Division of Environment
for issues requiring integration of environmental and
social concerns in executing different research activities.
In collaboration with the National Environmental
Management Council (NEMC), research activities will
be carried out in conformity with the set laws and
regulations on environmental and social issues to ensure
environmental sustainability.

(d) Ministry responsible for regional administration and

local government
The regional secretariats have a role of making sure that
using evidence in decision making becomes a norm at
all levels of governance. In addition, the Ministry is
responsible for ensuring that funds are budgeted by Local
Government Authorities for R&D activities. Furthermore,
in some instances, the districts are responsible for
procurement of services for the implementation of
Research and Development projects.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 30

(e) Ministry responsible for finance
The role of the ministry is to provide short and medium
term development planning at macro level, and coordinate
sectoral development plans including those of research and
development. It is also responsible for timely mobilization
of adequate financial resources for implementation of
research and development activities.

(f) Ministry responsible for public service management

Successful implementation of this policy is dependent
on the availability of human capital in terms of quantity
and quality. This will be achieved through proper
recruitment and remuneration of staff by the Public Service
Management.

(g) Ministry responsible for industries, trade and marketing

One of the important issues in this policy is to link
research and industries by ensuring that there is a
close participation of local industries in generating
new technologies and/or taking up locally developed
technologies. The ministry is therefore responsible for
aligning different policies with the aspiration of R&D
policy. It is also responsible for encouraging industries to
invest in R&D activities, promoting standard handling of
locally produced technologies in terms packaging etc. and
identifying opportunities of markets locally, regionally and
internationally. Furthermore, the Ministry is responsible
for registration of patents and enforcing the IP legislation.

(h) Ministry responsible for constitutional affairs and

justice
The ministry responsible for constitutional affairs and
justice has a vital input in the implementation of this
policy through reviewing and providing legal opinions
related to the review and formulation of different

31 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 legislation and regulation as may be required in the course
of implementing this policy.

(i) Ministry responsible for education and vocational

training
The ministry responsible for education and vocational
training has a stake in the implementation of the National
Research and Development Policy. It has a responsibility
of introducing curricula which promote innovativeness
to pupils and students right. Furthermore, it has the
responsibility of building human resource capacity
in strategic disciplines where the country does not
have enough manpower to engage into research and
development activities.

(j) Other ministries

The responsibility of other ministries in implementing this
policy shall be to supervise R&D activities in institutions
under their respective mandate and to use results from
research for formulation and review of sectoral policies, as
well as making various administrative decisions.

4.2 At the Local Government Authorities Level

According to the local government reforms, the local
government authority (LGA) shall play an increasingly
important role in the implementation of the National
Research and Development Policy. This is because
LGA has been given responsibilities of developing and
implementing various developmental projects. LGA has
a major role in identifying areas which require further
research and in the overall process of priority setting and
implementation of research projects. Thus, the LGA will
be responsible for the preparation and enforcement of by-
laws to guide research and development at the district
level. Furthermore, the LGA will be responsible for setting

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 32

 aside funds for R&D to address local challenges including
popularizing new technologies to end users.

4.3 At the Ward and Village Level

The ward and village levels have an important role in the
implementation of the National Research and Development
Policy as the two will be responsible in identification of
innovative ideas and participating in priority setting. The
ward and villages will also be responsible in popularizing
new technologies to end users.

4.4 Other Key Stakeholders

4.4.1 The R&D Coordination Body

The national R&D coordinating body is the principal
advisory organ to the government on all matters
pertaining to research activities and their application for
socio-economic development of the country. In this case,
it has a key role of advising the government on all matters
relating to research activities in the country. Specifically, its
mandate includes to advise in monitoring and evaluation
of scientific research and technological development;
acquisition, storage and dissemination of scientific and
technological information; examination and promotion of
R&D programmes; mobilization and disbursement of funds
for R&D; fostering regional and international cooperation;
facilitation of the commercialization of research results;
initiation, formulation and implementation of research
priorities and programmes.

33 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 4.4.2 R & D Institutions
The roles of R&D in this case will include:

(a) Providing skills and knowledge that is more

responsive to market demands to cope with
challenges of globalization including aspirations
of the National Development Vision 2025 as well
as the United Nations Millennium Development
Goals for combating poverty;

(b) Reviewing priorities from time to time so as to

exploit indigenous knowledge and technology
innovations, creative productions of sufficient
levels and guarantees of intellectual ownership
and right; an

(c) Undertaking researches that meet the demand

of market needs including commercialization of
research results coupled with establishment of
spin-off firms from research results.

4.4.3 Development Partners and the Diaspora

For over the years, development partners have been
intensively involved in supporting R&D in Tanzania. It is
therefore expected that development partners will continue
to support development of the research and development
in the country. There should also be a deliberate move to
network with researchers in the Diaspora to harness their
expertise and experience for national development.

4.4.4 Tanzania Investment Centre

The Tanzania Investment Centre has an important role to
play in the implementation of this policy as an entry point
for those intending to invest in R&D. The centre maintains
data and information on the opportunities available and

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 34

 modalities for such investment. It will also play a role in
the process of promoting and advertising our strength
and readiness to accommodate investors in R&D-related
activities.

4.4.5 NGOs and Professional Associations

The implementation of this policy also requires the
complementary input from Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOS) including Faith Based Organizations
(FBOS) and Community Based Organizations (CBOS).
They play an important role particularly in the provision
of knowledge, information, capacity building and
mobilization of resources at the grass-root level. They
will also play a crucial role in setting research priorities.
They similarly play a crucial role in popularizing new
technologies.

4.4.6 The Private Sector

The private sector has an important role in the
implementation of the policy. It is expected to engage in
R&D activities through industries and SMEs. The private
sector will also take up responsibility by marketing and
utilizing the developed technologies.

35 THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

 5.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE R&D
POLICY

5.1. Policy Implementation

The implementation of this policy requires developing
a plan that will identify strategies for addressing each
policy statement, activities to be performed, the time
frame and the responsible stakeholders. Key stakeholders
in the process of implementation of this policy include
government ministries, departments and agencies. Others
are the private sector, NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, professional
associations and development partners. It should be noted
that the coordination for the implementation of the policy
remains with the ministry responsible for research and
development.

5.2 Policy Monitoring and Evaluation

The national R&D coordinating body will make
annual evaluations and submit progress reports on the
implementation of the policy to the Ministry responsible
for research activities. Research and development
indicators shall be developed and be made available to
enable stakeholders at all levels monitor and assess R&D
activities on a regular basis.

5.3 Review and revision of the National R&D Policy

An evaluation of the outcomes of this policy will provide
information on the extent to which the policy is being
implemented, and the progress being made in achieving
the National Research and Development Policy objectives.
An overall policy review will be undertaken after every
five years. Overall review is assigned to the ministry
responsible for research and development matters.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 36

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THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 38