Addressing chronic poverty and vulnerability through social assistance in Tanzania: assessing the options

Insecurity and vulnerability are widespread in Tanzania. Many people appear trapped in poverty, lacking the resources to participate in growth. Economic growth has not reduced income poverty as expected and upward mobility has become limited. Social transfers can be an important part of a transformative approach to development which can interrupt the exclusion and adverse incorporation which characterises current patterns of development. The many sources of risk and widespread vulnerability, together with the affordability and capacity contexts, create two difficult choices: between running one versus several programmes of social transfers; and between categorical and non-categorical targeting. Social transfers should be able to support the risks poor people have to take to improve their livelihoods, escape poverty and contribute to growth.