ABSTRACT
This chapter examines two different models of the community group: a co-operative group which qualifies for inclusion in a poverty alleviation programme, and local forms of co-operation amongst urban market sellers. The model of co-operation promoted by the programme had the effect of masking other forms of co-operation that were going on. Full-time co-operation takes place between two or three women at most. The description of the 'mama ntilie's' work, social networks and forms of co-operation demonstrates a mismatch between the criteria of eligibility of the development programme described at the beginning of the way people normally live their lives in Tabora. The people participating in these groups are Mama Hadija's family members, neighbours and other market sellers, including some other 'mama ntilie'. The programme is funded by Oxfam and implemented by the Government of Tanzania, and the community group is a group of women food sellers in Tabora town's central market.
