Abstract:
This article explores the use of Local Economic Development (LED) Strategies for Industrialisation in Tanzania. The study was conducted based on the Tanzania industrialisation aspiration which is widely demonstrated in the Second Five Year Development Plan (FYDP II), 2016/2021 (FYDP II). The FYDP II is driven by a theme "Nurturing Industrialization for Economic Transformation and Human Development. The study was conducted in five Local Government Authorities (LGAs), including Shinyanga, Kilosa and Geita District Councils, as well as Shinyanga and Morogoro Municipal Councils. The study employed qualitative methodological approach and specifically opted a case study design in arriving at the identified objectives of the study. The study is founded under the Second Five Year Development Plan (FYDP II) which adopts Local Economic Development (LED) as its industrial development approach. It involved senior Community Development Officers and Economists/Planners who are the strategic persons in implementing the industrialisation agenda as well as to mobilize the community to engage in the industrial economy. Despite the fact that, efficiency in implementing the industrialisation agenda depends on strong understanding and deliberate implementation of LED approach in LGAs, the study found limited understanding of the LED concept and its deliberate implementation in LGAs. The study also found that most case councils were using traditional development approaches despite the availability of the necessary conditions for localisation of the LED approach. This study recommends that LGAs should deliberately employ local economic development (LED) strategies through localizing the approach. In the context of LED approach, the study also suggested that LGAs are should provide conducive business environment/enablers for private sector to participate and thrive as well as provision of land for investment, development of SME clusters, and support of LED initiatives.
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