A Constitutional ‘Ujamaa’ and a Practical Market Economy in Tanzania: A Potential Attribute to Poverty

Abstract

The practice of market economy in Tanzania is constitutionally unfounded and the constitutional Ujamaa (the philosophical framework) is practically impossible in the current context of globalized world. This dilemma has created an ideological vacuum that makes it easier for any leadership in power to change policies and laws to suit either constitutional Ujamaa, or the practice of market economy without consistency. This has led to unpredictable change of policies and laws that have adversely affected the country’s basic objective of eradicating poverty, ignorance and diseases. Tanzania is one among countries whose people are impoverished despite the fact that it is endowed with immense natural resources. This paper sets out to examine the extent to which the dilemma has bred increased poverty. Employing a qualitative approach through a review of documents, the paper argues that the absence of a clear connection between the Constitution and the economy has negatively impacted Tanzania’s economy.

Keywords: Ujamaa, constitution, market economy, poverty, Tanzania