PARTICIPANTS of the just-ended 8th National Research Conference, which was made possible by the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), have suggested need for continued investment in research and capacity-building to keep Tanzania’s development agenda evidence-based.

As part of the ESRF 30th-anniversary celebration, the conference themed: "Celebrating Three Decades of Research Excellence in Tanzania: How ESRF’s Evidence-Informed Policy Making Transformed Tanzania’s Policy Framework and Practices," took place in Dar es Salaam last week.

The event brought on board over 200 participants, including government officials, researchers, development partners, and civil society representatives, to reflect on ESRF's significant contributions to Tanzania's development.

The annual event was a resounding success, delving into the history of research in Tanzania, its impact on national development, and current challenges, whereby participants engaged in insightful discussions, reaching valuable conclusions on how to enhance research practices, maximize impact, and address pressing national needs.

The conference fostered collaboration and forward-thinking, laying a strong foundation for sustainable development and featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and poster presentations covering a wide range of topics related to inclusive development and evidence-based policymaking.

Philemon Luhanjo, ESRF board of trustees’ chairperson highlighted the foundation's role in supporting evidence-based policymaking and its contributions to key national strategies like the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 and the Five-Year Development Plans (FYDPs).

Vice President Dr Philip Mpango commended ESRF's commitment to research and its contribution to the country's development agenda, stressing the importance of evidence-based policymaking to address Tanzania's complex challenges and achieve sustainable development. 

Dr Mpango underscored the need for research-driven solutions to tackle issues such as youth unemployment, land use conflicts, and climate change, lauding ESRF’s role in providing evidence-based policy advice across sectors including education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Prof Fortunata Makene, ESRF's executive director outlined the Foundation's contributions to national policies, including the Tanzania Development Vision 2025, stressing the importance of research excellence in informing policymaking and the 

She also emphasised the importance of research excellence in informing policymaking and the need for continued investment in research and capacity-building to keep Tanzania’s development agenda evidence-based.

The conference discussions revealed several key themes: ESRF's ongoing relevance in addressing Tanzania's evolving development challenges, the need for sustainable funding, and the importance of maintaining ESRF’s independence.

Some participants also noted ESRF's potential to become a center of excellence in social equity, innovation, and environmental sustainability, with research management and efficiency playing critical roles in achieving Tanzania's Development Vision 2025. The government’s responsibility in driving digitalization in Tanzania was also underscored.

Concerns about inadequate research funding, which hinders the quality and quantity of studies conducted, were prominent.

Participants advocated for increased government investment, with Prof. Issa Shivji stating, "The history of research and its outcomes clearly demonstrate the need for the government to take a proactive role in facilitating research that drives development." His statement emphasized the urgency of increasing government support for research to address Tanzania’s development challenges.

Overall, the ESRF conference highlighted the crucial role of research in informing policymaking in Tanzania. As ESRF enters its fourth decade, it remains committed to evidence-informed policymaking and capacity-building, positioning it as a key player in Tanzania’s development journey. By tackling funding challenges, maintaining independence, and realizing its future vision, ESRF aims to remain a valuable asset to Tanzania’s sustainable development.

The 8th National Research Conference and ESRF’s 30th-anniversary celebration marked a significant milestone, showcasing ESRF’s contributions to Tanzania's progress and reaffirming its commitment to providing evidence-based policy advice and supporting the nation's sustainable development goals.