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The Legitimacy of Sustainability Initiatives in Tanzania

Author

Listed:
  • Rasul Ahmed Minja

    (University of Dar es Salaam)

  • Stefano Ponte

    (Copenhagen Business School)

  • Asubisye Mwamfupe

    (University of Dar es Salaam)

  • Christine Noe

    (University of Dar es Salaam)

  • Daniel Brockington

    (University of Sheffield)

Abstract

In this article, we examine selected sustainability initiatives from the perspective of local communities to improve our understanding of how putative participatory schemes manage legitimacy. Understanding the legitimacy dynamics of sustainability initiatives is important, as it potentially minimizes the power gaps likely to open across scales and jurisdictions. We analyze selected sustainability initiatives in southern Tanzania dealing with wildlife, forest, and coastal resources and find that they have generally struggled to manage input, process, and impact legitimacy—except for the community-based forestry initiatives. They have been more inclined towards providing training on conservation issues than facilitating alternative livelihood activities. While they are perceived as having achieved some improvements in environmental conditions, they have had minimal effects on socio-economic and livelihood outcomes. This has culminated into significant levels of community dissatisfaction with their performance, which questions their long-term viability.

Suggested Citation

  • Rasul Ahmed Minja & Stefano Ponte & Asubisye Mwamfupe & Christine Noe & Daniel Brockington, 2023. "The Legitimacy of Sustainability Initiatives in Tanzania," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 35(3), pages 453-482, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:35:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1057_s41287-022-00513-5
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-022-00513-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. de Bakker, Frank G.A. & Rasche, Andreas & Ponte, Stefano, 2019. "Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives on Sustainability: A Cross-Disciplinary Review and Research Agenda for Business Ethics," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 29(3), pages 343-383, July.
    2. Astrid Matejcek & Julia Verne, 2021. "Restoration-as-development? Contesting Aspirational Politics Regarding the Restoration of Wildlife Corridors in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 1022-1043, August.
    3. Lena Partzsch, 2011. "The legitimacy of biofuel certification," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 28(3), pages 413-425, September.
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    6. Julia Black, 2008. "Constructing and contesting legitimacy and accountability in polycentric regulatory regimes," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 2(2), pages 137-164, June.
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