ABSTRACT
Tanzania’s economy has been growing at least 6 percent per annum and shows a number of positive economic trends (e.g., decreasing inflation rates below the authority’s target of 5 percent, an improving business climate, and strengthened infrastructure). However, it has been projected that growth rates of 8 percent would be needed to begin to redress poverty levels. About 60 percent of the women in Tanzania are estimated to live in poverty despite hard work (URT 2015). Addressing gender constraints is therefore a key component of unlocking Tanzania’s economic growth and the government’s pro-poor agricultural growth policy holds promise for improving the lives of women across the country. The manifesto of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), calls for the implementation of women-related initiatives, such as providing credit schemes for women, developing a Women’s Bank, and reviewing inheritance laws and other laws suppressing women (Selbervik 2006).
