The paradox of the Arusha Declaration

The Arusha Declaration (AD), adopted in 1967 by the then ruling party in mainland Tanzania, is subtitled ‘TANU’s policy on socialism and self-reliance’. It is therefore built upon two analytically and presumably politically distinct pillars, that of socialism and that of self-reliance. This paper first examines the conceptualization of socialism and self-reliance which was espoused by the AD. Secondly, in order to demonstrate the translation of intent into concrete policy, empirical data is presented showing that at least in two of its indicators, i.e. aid and trade, self-reliance has not been achieved. Thirdly, the paper explains this apparent paradox in which a policy of self-reliance has led to increased dependence, and tries to determine whether this failure can be traced to the conceptual level of goals, as formulated in the AD, the policy or implementational level or, perhaps, to more than one level. Finally, the paper draws conclusions, points to some implications and suggests possible policy options for Tanzania if the goals of self-reliance, political autonomy and self-determination are to be pursued and effectively accomplished. Notes, ref.