Abstract
Do co-operative organisations contribute to a process of democratisation? The Case of Tanzania
May co-operative organisations be said to perform a role of any importance in processes of democratisation? The objective of my thesis is to answer this question theoretically and to illustrate with the case of Tanzania. It can thus be formulated in two parts; one theoretical and one empirical;
May co-operative organisations contribute to a process of democratisation?
Do co-operative organisations contribute to the process of democratisation in Tanzania?
To answer the first question I investigate to what extent co-operative theory is compatible with a theory of how organisations in civil society may contribute to democratic development. By amalgamating the two theories I produce a five-featured theoretical framework which structures the empirical research to be done in Tanzania.
Tanzanian recent history presents us with two contrasting periods to compare; One of a one-party regime where the state demands complete control of co-operative affairs, from 1982 to 1991, and one of a multiparty system where co-operatives are left almost entirely to themselves by the government, from 1992 until today. Focus of the study lies with the recent developments, i.e. with the post 1992 period, but in order to analyse this period it is necessary to take into account the historical background of the co-operative movement in Tanzania. After almost thirty years of one-party rule Tanzania introduced a multiparty government in 1992 and at the same time a new co-operative act was initiated in the country, based on the co-operative principles agreed upon by the International Co-operative Alliance.
Because I in this thesis wish to examine factors which contribute to democratic development, rather than discuss the entire process of democratisation, I will not try to measure this process. Any change in the polity which brings society closer to the definitions of democracy presented above may be regarded as a contribution to democratic development of that society.
The following five features comprise my theoretical framework. It guides my empirical research of the two periods as well as the ensuing analysis.
State - Co-operative Relationship
Organisational Institutionalisation
Internal Democracy
Co-operative Structure and Position in Society
Empowerment of Members
The five-featured model is based on Larry Diamond s article in Journal of Democracy Vol.5, No.3: Rethinking Civil Society. Toward Democratic Consolidation, and on Co-operative values and Principles as these have been formulated by the International Co-operative Alliance.
My empirical investigation shows that there have been drastic changes in the Tanzanian government declarations concerning official policy on co-operative organisations since the beginning of the 1990 s. Governments dedication to help rebuild an independent and forceful co-operative movement has proved to last and it has even become more credible with follow up enactments. The co-operative sector has also, since 1991, had to deal with competition from private traders, as the protection given by government-granted monopoly status was removed. It is difficult to establish whether the restructuring of the co-operative sector following the 1991 Act is a result of deliberate measures on the part of the government, or the inevitable result of other liberalisation policies. But, the fact is that the co-operative sector has become more pluralistic as there are no longer restrictions on participation or type of co-operative which may be established. Many co-operatives have withered away, some have amalgamated and others have split into sub-units. With the introduction of the four-tiered hierarchic structure, bottom up representation of co-operative members interests is thought to be established. Some evidence of renewed interest in the co-operative solution has been found, especially in fertile areas and in the establishment of pre-co-operatives by women. But people are definitely hesitant.
The legacy of the past is still strong within the co-operative movement. The ruling party still has a footing at all co-operative levels. One of the most striking anomalies to co-operative democratic rule is the continued absence of women in decision making positions. There is reluctance to implement the 1991 Act, even among national level politicians, even seven years after it was enacted. The Co-operative Department seems to be eager to implement, however. It is difficult to measure the impact of such laxity on the general status of the co-operative sector in society. On one hand, the unhurried process allows for people to catch up and prepare for change, on the other hand it undermines the credibility of the government.