A joint initiative by the United Nations, The Government of Tanzania and The Economic and Social Research Foundation  

A platform for professionals and experts to meet, share and exchange experiences
Username >

Password >

Forgot | Change Password? Register! Home
Topic : Tanzania Natural Resource Charter  
  TANZANIA NATURAL RESOURCE CHARTER

Implementation of Natural Resource Charter for Tanzania was initiated by the Chief Secretary in December 2013 through inaugurating an Expert Panel and identifying Research Team; both drawn from knowledge-endowed Tanzanians. The Program is hous ...Click here to read more

     
Comments From TAKNET Members
Prof. Ammon Mbelle  : Thursday, September 4, 2014    
  Dear TAKNET members.

You have read comments by some contributors about the user non-friendliness of the instrument (Tanzania Natural Resource Charter) for assessing governance in the management of extractive resources in Tanzania (minerals and oil & gas - don't forget that we have had Songo Songo gas for quite a number of years now) .

As pointed out earlier, consultations have already been held with seven groups (Parliament, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, Government, Research team, Universities & Research Institutions and Private Sector). Three main areas of concern have been pointed out by more than three of these stakeholder groups. 1. Taxation issues (tax incentives, transparency, tax administration) 2. Resource distribution issues (especially equitable allocation for future generations) and 3. Revenue volatility (especially between investment/capital spending versus current spending).

You are invited to contribute on any or more than one area; pointing out where you see policy strength/ weakness; cause/s and remedy. Detailed information is also welcome in any selected issue.

 
     

Abdallah Rungwe  : Thursday, September 4, 2014    
  Prof. Mbelle, I think that could be the best answer that everyone was thinking about.We still waiting on that so that we get the concrete one.

 
     

ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES OF TANZANIA  : Wednesday, September 3, 2014    
  Dear Prof. Rutenge,

Thank so much for yourcontribution. I fully support you and would like

to make specific reference to MDG, WORLD URBAN FORUM FACILITIES. The

Administrators should

Best regards

Habraham

 
     

Costantine Sebastian  : Wednesday, September 3, 2014    
  Thanks prof.

We (The Citizen on Saturday & The Citizen on Sunday) would like to do a write up (story, feature) on this noble venture therefore kindly help us with any related literature as well as contacts of people we can interview on it.

CS

 
     

Hebron Mwakalinga  : Wednesday, September 3, 2014    
  Prof. Thanks for this inclusive and participatory research process that aim to feed into our national policies/strategies and programmes in managing natural endowments particularly extractive products. One challenge related to governance gaps is to isolate those confined to the extractive industry, governance weaknesses at industry level are result of more systemic gaps that should primarily be addressed, as it is currently being done, at a higher, i.e. constitutional level.

I understand that we have very elaborate structures for enhancing accountability at all levels in both public and private sector. The problem, hence gap number one, has been weaknesses or lack of capacity to implement even the existing governance systems. This is an overarching gap and I don't think it is industry- exclusive. It is cross-cutting and core systemic solutions may not lie within the industry. My contribution thus is:-

- Biggest gap is in the capacity (by design or default) to implement governance systems we put in place.

- Recommendation - learning from a number of systems we have put in place, include in the research issues/factors that disable/enable effective implementation of governance systems. The constitutional review process offers the most valuable avenue to at least discuss and put in place a framework whereupon governance structures and most importantly implementers shall take oaths to protect/adhere to.

Hebron Mwakalinga

 
     

Prof. Ammon Mbelle  : Monday, September 1, 2014    
  Thanks for your comments Mary; well appreciated. That will be done. We have complemented the first wave of consultations (Parliament, CSOs, Development Partners, Government, Universities and Research Institutions) and have impressions that can now be restructured for TAKNET along the lines that you propose, picking areas that were singled out to exhibit governance gaps. In a day or two that will be posted. The second and final wave of consultations will be at level of districts and it would be ideal to have TAKNET contributions inform the consultations. Prof. Mbelle  
     

Prof. Ammon Mbelle  : Friday, August 15, 2014    
  Thanks and great Costantine. The status of the programme is that a Research Team had been formed and has already produced second draft reports. Consultations have so far been done with two Parliamentary Committees (Energy & Minerals; and Economy, Industry and Trade); CSOs both national and international; Private Sector as well as Government.

The last group of stakeholders, Higher Learning and Research institutions will take place next week. Then next month (September 2014) there will be consultations at district level. The e-consultations are held through TAKNET and thanks for your contribution. The most important issues that are being solicited here are identification of governance gaps; possible causes and remedy (limited to minerals, oil & gas - extractives). Contributors are encouraged to focus on the three aspects at minimum and should feel free to do so.

Prof. Mbelle

 
     

Mary Mohamed Rutenge  : Friday, August 15, 2014    
  Hello TAKNETers

I went through this questionnaire several times and before I start contributing I would like to comment on the tool itself. It is not user friendly especially for us using internet…if possible it should be made electronic (am not expert on this but I have filled many online surveys that were very easy and not time consuming. For example where can I put those colors green, orange and red? Do I have to rewrite the questions?). Another thing the questions attracts yes no answers which might not help much in giving detailed information needed.

For example asking whether or not there is good governance does not make much sense to me. You could directly ask one to narrate the strength and weakness of Tanzania natural resource policy and practices in specific areas.

Otherwise I would love to contribute beyond yes no and still be brief; if that's fine.

Mary Rutenge

Ph.D Researcher

ISS- Erasmus University

 
     

Bariki Mwasaga  : Wednesday, July 30, 2014    
  Sometimes structures might be there, well defined distribution of tasks and responsible persons but still business as usual. There is a need of focusing on patriotism as well as ensuring observance of the principles of meritocracy during recruitment..  
     

Costantine Sebastian  : Wednesday, July 30, 2014    
  Great Idea. Imagine it is the first time I am hearing about this great and noble idea. Has it had enough publicity and what is its status now. I wish we could hear from the horse's mouth.

Costantine Sebastian,

Managing Editor,

The Citizen on Saturday & The Citizen on Sunday.

 
     

Prof. Ammon Mbelle  : Thursday, July 24, 2014    
 

First of all let me commend the measures which are taken by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to initiate implementation of Natural Resource Charter for Tanzania. We are informed this measure was initiated by the Chief Secretary in December 2013.

Regarding the governance gaps which Tanzania faces; one of the major gaps is related to the capacity to manage the natural resources. Tanzania does not have the requisite capacity to establish the status of natural resource base in the country. In other words, we don’t seem to have the right information on the natural resource reserves the country has. Secondly, the country is unable to audit and monitor exploitation and trading of natural resources in the country. In the forest sub sector for example, the country has not been able to gauge all the direct benefits and spillover benefits from the forest reserve, which are far much higher than what is currently gauged by the National Accounts currently. We need for example to formalize all the forest businesses and trades such as the charcoal business and trade to enable the National Accounts reflect the actual forest contribution to GDP from the current 3.3% which is very much under-estimated.

Among the causes of these serious gaps is the fact that to a larger extent forestry related trade and business has generally been, illegally and unsustainably done and marketed without payments being made for the raw material (wood), and licenses and levies largely evaded. There has been limited involvement or participation of the key players at lower levels; and limited implementation capacity on the part of key players at lower levels (Including the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), Forest Nature Reserves (FNRs), Local Government Authorities (LGAs) at District Council Headquarters, Ward and Village levels, CSOs, Farmers, Traders, Fishermen etc) in terms of resource management skills, financial resources and knowledge (or awareness), and yet they are important custodians of our natural resources. Thus, to address this, it is important to improve governance structures, wider participation and implementation capacity of these key players at lower levels. There is an urgent need to ensure that rules and regulations are enforced.

So far the Government has established governance structures that do not consistently support resource management. They don’t work.

I hope others will have additional views. What do you think TAKNET members?

Best Regards

 
     

Oswald Mashindano  : Wednesday, July 23, 2014    
  First of all let me commend the measures which are taken by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to initiate implementation of Natural Resource Charter for Tanzania. We are informed this measure was initiated by the Chief Secretary in December 2013.

Regarding the governance gaps which Tanzania faces; one of the major gaps is related to the capacity to manage the natural resources. Tanzania does not have the requisite capacity to establish the status of natural resource base in the country. In other words, we don’t seem to have the right information on the natural resource reserves the country has. Secondly, the country is unable to audit and monitor exploitation and trading of natural resources in the country. In the forest sub sector for example, the country has not been able to gauge all the direct benefits and spillover benefits from the forest reserve, which are far much higher than what is currently gauged by the National Accounts currently. We need for example to formalize all the forest businesses and trades such as the charcoal business and trade to enable the National Accounts reflect the actual forest contribution to GDP from the current 3.3% which is very much under-estimated.

Among the causes of these serious gaps is the fact that to a larger extent forestry related trade and business has generally been, illegally and unsustainably done and marketed without payments being made for the raw material (wood), and licenses and levies largely evaded. There has been limited involvement or participation of the key players at lower levels; and limited implementation capacity on the part of key players at lower levels (Including the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), Forest Nature Reserves (FNRs), Local Government Authorities (LGAs) at District Council Headquarters, Ward and Village levels, CSOs, Farmers, Traders, Fishermen etc) in terms of resource management skills, financial resources and knowledge (or awareness), and yet they are important custodians of our natural resources. Thus, to address this, it is important to improve governance structures, wider participation and implementation capacity of these key players at lower levels. There is an urgent need to ensure that rules and regulations are enforced.

So far the Government has established governance structures that do not consistently support resource management. They don’t work.

I hope others will have additional views. What do you think TAKNET members?

Best Regards

Oswald Mashindano

 
     

  This topic has been closed. You can only view comments!  
     

 

 

  ESRF
  Tanzania Development Gateway
  Tanzania Online
  Government of Tanzania
  United Nations (UN)
More»
 
v  
v TOP CONTRIBUTORS
  Omari Mwinyi Khamis(156)
  Festo E. Maro(69)
  Abdallah Hassan(49)
  japjet Makongo(30)
  Kabuje Furaha(26)
   
All Contributors»



 
Tanzania Knowledge Network (TAKNET) Platform is supported by The Government of United Republic of Tanzania,
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and coordinated by Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF).


Disclaimer | About Us | Feedback | Membership | Contact Us | Admin
© 2015 Economic and Social Research Foundation. All Rights Reserved.