ABSTRACT
This chapter argues with gender inequality, poverty and food insecurity since independence but some historical background is relevant. It examines economic and socio-cultural gender differences with reference to poverty and food insecurity and to draw policy implications and recommendations relevant to poverty alleviation, food security promotion and socio-economic development in Tanzania and possibly in Africa as a whole. In 1967, Tanzania introduced the Arusha Declaration centred on equity and self-reliance. In Tanzania, like many other African countries, wages have plummeted over the last twenty years. The impact of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) of 1986-89 on poverty and food insecurity has been generally controversial. However, poverty and food insecurity seem to be increasing problems for both wage-earners and peasants. Although the ERP of 1986-89 aimed at reducing poverty and promoting food security through rapid growth of the economy, critics did not hesitate to point out its failure to address social dimensions like health and education.
