Tanzania: Enhancing Community-Led Urban Development

Project Overview

Tanzania is facing significant urbanisation challenges, particularly in its unplanned settlements. These areas struggle with inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, a severe shortage of affordable housing, limited access to energy, and heightened vulnerability to climate-related risks. Additionally, residents face considerable difficulties in accessing livelihood opportunities, exacerbating socio-economic disparities within these communities. 

Led by the Tanzania Federation of the Urban Poor (TFUP) in collaboration with the Centre for Community Initiatives (CCI), the initiative aims to bolster rebuilding efforts in informal settlements by supporting income-generating activities, strengthening federation networks and groups, rehabilitating infrastructure, enhancing data collection, and supporting institutional development. 

This project is part of the Building Resilience in Informal Settlements Programme, a partnership between Cities Alliance and Slum Dwellers International (SDI), funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), to support civil society organisations working in informal settlements.

Initial Project Results: 2022-2024

The project has supported three Federation groups—Upendo Na Amani Group, Ng’ara Group, and the Youth Action Platform—in enhancing their businesses and formalizing their enterprises. Additionally, new groups were mobilized, including two savings groups in Kibaigwa, four savings schemes in Mwanza, and others in Ilala and Temeke in Dar-es-Salaam. Seven savings groups have been supported, with 162 savers and 48 youth members.

Training sessions conducted by the Tanzania Federation for Urban Poor (TFUP) focused on business enterprise for saving groups and youth in Arusha. In Mwanza, support was provided for installing grinding and smelting grain machines, while a local salt industry was established in Kisosora. These initiatives were coupled with training for group leaders on financial management.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) reviewed Federation activities at various levels, while regular meetings were held to plan and assess progress. Peer-to-peer exchange visits and collaborative efforts with local government entities were conducted in cities like Dar-es-Salaam, Mwanza, and Morogoro.

In Morogoro, maintenance of the Mlali public toilet was undertaken, supported by Cities Alliance. A city profile initiative aimed to address community challenges through collaboration with government and stakeholders.

Key Achievements: 2022-2024