Civil society organizations and community-based organizations play an increasingly important role globally in shaping natural resource governance and influencing biodiversity conservation policies. Through advocacy, policy dialogue, and partnerships with governments and development partners, these organizations help improve natural resources governance and ensure that community voices are represented in decision-making processes. Within this context, this study examines the strengths, weaknesses, and levels of engagement among organizations involved in biodiversity policy advocacy in Tanzania to identify areas for more effective future support and partnerships. The study employed 30 key informant interviews and three focus group discussions with stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation. Findings show that ten organizations have a defined policy advocacy agenda. Key strengths include strong advocacy capacity demonstrated by organizations such as Tanzania Forest Conservation Group, Tanzania Natural Resource Forum, the national network of community forest groups, and Marine Conservation and Development Initiative, which have successfully influenced policy and legal reforms. Additional strengths include strong national and international networks, credibility with government authorities and partners, effective use of media, and the ability to communicate policy recommendations to decision-makers. However, common weaknesses include limited funding for policy advocacy activities and a shortage of skilled policy advocates. Engagement in monitoring, evaluation, learning, and financial sustainability planning remains limited. Nonetheless, engagement in financial planning and sustainability remains weak, highlighting a key area for future capacity building and partnership strengthening. In conclusion, Tanzanian biodiversity advocacy organizations show strong policy influence but require greater financial and technical support to maximize their impact.
| Published in | Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Volume 15, Issue 3) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11 |
| Page(s) | 94-107 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Biodiversity Policy Advocacy, Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Influence, Advocacy Effectiveness, Natural Resource Governance
SN | Organization | Location |
|---|---|---|
1 | CBFM Lionja) and Ndonda WMA | Nachingwea |
2 | Nalika and Chingoli WMAs, PAM Foundation, and SUA – Tunduru Campus | Tunduru |
3 | RWBO, BMU – NAMELA, and MASHA | Mtwara |
4 | CBFM Mchakama, MCDI, BMU – Somanga | Kilwa |
5 | Juhiwangumwa WMA | Rufiji |
6 | BMU - POMBWE | Kibiti |
7 | TFS, TAREA, CWMAC, TuNA Alliance, MJUMITA, TFCG and TaTEDO | Dar es Salaam |
8 | TNRF and TAWIRI | Arusha |
9 | Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, MNRT (FBD and WD) and Ministry of Land, Settlement Development and Housing | Dodoma |
10 | TAWA, TAFORI, SUA and SUHODE | Morogoro |
SN | Organization | Areas of strength | Areas of weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | SUHODE | Personnel (advocate) - has 15 staff who are dedicated and committed in policy advocacy, Relationship with decision policy makers - has good relationship, Presentation of policy issues - has ability to prepare documents in simple language for the policy makers, Internal or external networking - has partnership and coalition with other organizations at national level and government institutions in policy advocacy, and Practical experience - has long term and practical experience in policy advocacy. | Funding advocacy – has limited fund for advocacy, and Resources for advocacy – has limited working facilities like transport. |
2 | TNRF | Personnel (advocate) - Has communication and experienced staff in policy advocacy, Media relationship - has established good relationship with various media (Radio, Tv mass media and websites), Internal and external network - has connected to many other organizations at national, regional and global levels that deals with biodiversity conservation and policy advocacy, Presentation of policy issues - has established a forum for policy advocacy involves different stakeholders, Relationship with CBOs - has connected with CSOs and CBOs at grass root, and Advocacy agenda - has well prepared advocacy agenda | Funding advocacy – has no sustainable fund for advocacy, it depends on project, and Practical experience – mainly on forest and wildlife, not on fisheries. |
3 | CWMAC | Personnel (advocate) – has staff with experience in policy advocacy, Practical experience – has sufficient experience on policy dialogues which resulted to regulation changes, Relationship with CBOs – is an apex body of AAs, Relationship with decision policy makers – has good relationship with parliamentary committees, Internal and external network - has connected to many other organizations at national, regional and global levels that deals with biodiversity conservation and policy advocacy, and Advocacy agenda – has policy advocacy agenda with budgets. | Funding advocacy – has limited fund for advocacy |
4 | MCDI | Relationship with CBOs – is trusted by community managing VLFRs, Advocacy agenda – has policy advocacy agenda, Practical experience – has field based experienced, Personnel (advocate) – has qualified staff and committed staff, Relationship with decision policy makers - Good relationship with Regional Commissioner (RC) and District Commissioner (DC), Presentation of policy issues – has project-based forum, and Internal and external network – has connected with other organizations at local, national, regional and global and is financed by many donors. | Funding advocacy – has small budget and some time they have limited budget for policy advocacy, Coverage of operation - mainly four regions specifically southern part of Tanzania, and Personnel (advocate) - has few staff dealing with policy advocacy activities. |
5 | MASHA | Internal and external network – has trust and well known at regional level (Mtwara), and Practical experience – has experience working in environment and livelihood activities since 2008. | Funding advocacy – Limited funds for the training, Limited internal and external network, Resources for advocacy – limited transportation facilities, Advocacy agenda – there is no policy advocacy agenda, and Do not have skilled policy advocates (lobbyists). |
6 | TaTEDO | Internal and external network – has many stakeholders at national, regional and global levels that are working together in various projects, Practical experience – has participated in formulation of vision and strategy government and other organizations, Presentation of policy issues – has project-based forum, Relationship with decision policy makers – has good relationship with parliamentary committees, and Advocacy agenda – has policy advocacy agenda for specific projects. | Funding advocacy – lack sustainable fund. Donor driven fund, in most cases implement donor objectives Personnel (advocate) - has few staff for advocacy activities |
7 | TuNA | Practical experience – has practical experience in policy advocacy, Internal and external network – has members at Regional level (Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya and Madagascar), and Personnel (advocate) – has strong leaders experienced in policy advocacy skills. | Funding advocacy – depend funds from donor to implement their activities are donor driven |
8 | TAREA | Funding advocacy – has many donors (e.g Netherland, GIZ, BFZ) and partners, Advocacy agenda – has policy advocacy agenda related to renewable energy, Internal and external network – has members at different levels and has partnered with national, regional and global stakeholders, Relationship with decision policy makers - Has the contact person at Ministry of Energy and minerals to support policy advocacy activities, and Understanding policy environment - participate in preparation of government policy, strategies, rules and regulations regarding re-new able e energy | Personnel (advocate) - has few staff dealing with policy advocacy issues. |
9 | MJUMITA | Personnel (advocate) has skilled policy advocates (lobbyists).and committed team, Media relation – has good relation and has been used mass media like Abood in policy advocacy, Relationship with decision policy makers – has good relationship with the Ministry and parliamentary committees, Advocacy agenda – has policy advocacy agenda, Practical experience – has long term knowledge in policy advocacy, Relationship with CBOs – is trusted by local based networks of community forests, Presentation of policy issues – has annual forum, and Internal and external network – has many stakeholders including WWF, MCDI, TFCG, TNRF etc. | Funding advocacy – funds not sufficient for policy advocacy (only stick in project area) |
10 | TFCG | Personnel (advocate) - have experienced policy advocacy personnel and committed team, Advocacy agenda – has policy advocacy agenda, Media relation – has good relation with media and has been maintained e.g., Dairy News, Relationship with decision policy makers – has good relationship with the Ministry and parliamentary committees, Advocacy agenda – has policy advocacy agenda, Practical experience – has long term knowledge in policy advocacy, Relationship with CBOs – is trusted by several villages managing forests, Presentation of policy issues – has annual forum e.g. sustainable charcoal, Internal and external network – has many stakeholders including WWF, MCDI, MJUMITA, TNRF and at regional and global levels. | Funding advocacy – Lack direct funds for policy advocacy but depends on the donor objectives. |
Area2 | MCDI | MJUMITA | CWMAC | TaTEDO | TuNA | SUHODE | MASHA | TNRF | TAREA | TFCG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vision | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Skills | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Programme planning | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Advocacy strategy development | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Engagement impacts | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Monitoring and evaluating | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
SN | NGO | Regional and international partners |
|---|---|---|
1. | TFCG | the University of Copenhagen, the University of Cambridge, University of Florida, Oxford Brookes University, the Trento Museum of Natural History, ICRAF, the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology and the Missouri Botanical Gardens. |
2. | MCDI | Forest Services of United States, Darwin Initiative, the university of Edinburg, and Forest Stewardship Council |
3. | TaTEDO | Uganda Coalition for Sustainable Development, Sustainable Environmental Development Watch Kenya (SusWatch Kenya), Joint Energy and Environment Projects of Uganda, International Network for Sustainable Energy and Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy of Denmark |
4. | TAREA | Alternative Energy Africa, Climate Technologies Centre and Networks, East Africa Renewable Energy Partnership, The Enzkreis, Deutsch-Tansanische Partnerschaft e.V Global Off-Grid Lighting Association, Power4Africa, Museum of Science in Trento, Swedish International Development Agency, Wind Empowerment, Urbis Foundation, and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation. |
5. | MJUMITA | Niras International, Endofur, |
6. | TNRF | International Union for Conservation of Nature, Care International in Denmark, and the International Livestock Research Institute, United Nations Capital Development Fund locale, The East African Community (EAC), United States Agency for International Aid (USAID), United National (UN) and European Union Tanzania delegates, International Institute for Environmental Development, Tanzania Norwegian, Finland, Swedish, Canada, Belgian, Dennish, Netherland China, Germany embassies. |
Area | MCDI | MJUMITA | CWMAC | TaTEDO | TuNA | SUHODE | MASHA | TNRF | TAREA | TFCG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vision | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Skills | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Programme planning | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Advocacy strategy development | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Engagement impacts | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Monitoring and evaluating | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Area | MCDI | MJUMITA | CWMAC | TaTEDO | TuNA | SUHODE | MASHA | TNRF | TAREA | TFCG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vision | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Skills | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Programme planning | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Advocacy strategy development | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Engagement impacts | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Monitoring and evaluating | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Area | MCDI | MJUMITA | CWMAC | TaTEDO | TuNA | SUHODE | MASHA | TNRF | TAREA | TFCG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vision | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Skills | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Programme planning | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Advocacy strategy development | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Engagement impacts | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Monitoring and evaluating | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
AU | African Union |
BMU | Beach Management Unit |
CBD | Convention on Biological Diversity |
CBFM | Community Based Forest Management |
CBOs | Community Based Organizations |
CITES | Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora |
COMESA | Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa |
CSOs | Civil Society Organizations |
CWMAC | Community Wildlife Management Area Consortium |
DED | District Executive Director |
EAC | East African Community |
EU | European Union |
FBD | Forestry and Beekeeping Division |
FZS | Frankfurt Zoological Society |
GN | Government Notice |
IC | Inclusive Conservation |
IOTC | Indian Ocean TuNA Commission |
IWT | Illegal Wildlife Trade |
IRA | Institute of Resource Assessment |
JET | Journalists Environmental Association of Tanzania |
MASHA | Mtwara Action for Self Help |
MCDI | Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative |
MCT | Media Council of Tanzania |
MJUMITA | Mtandao wa Jumuiya za Usimamizi wa Misitu Tanzania |
MLF | Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries |
MLSH | Ministry of Land, Settlement and Housing |
MNRT | Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism |
NLUPC | National Land Use Commission |
NGOs | Non-Governmental Organizations |
PAMS Foundation | Protected Areas Management Support |
RUMAKI | Rufiji-Mafia-Kilwa |
RWBO | Ruvuma Water Basin Office |
SADC | Southern African Development Community |
SOKNOT | Seascape, Southern Kenya Northern Tanzania |
SUA | Sokoine University of Agriculture |
SUHODE | Sustainable Holistic Development |
SWOT | Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats |
TBC | Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation |
TAFORI | Tanzania Forestry Research Institute |
TAHOA | Tanzania Hunters Associations |
TAREA | Tanzania Renewable Energy Associations |
TaTEDO | Tanzania Traditional Energy Development Organization |
TAWA | Tanzania Wildlife Authority |
TAWIRI | Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute |
TFCG | Tanzania Forestry Conservation Group |
TFS | Tanzania Forest Services Agency |
TNRF | Tanzania Natural Resources Forum |
TPHA | Tanzania Professional Hunters Association |
TuNA | Tuna Fisheries National Alliance |
UDSM | University of Dar es Salaam |
UNFCCC | United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change |
UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
USAID | United States Agency for International Development |
UN | United Nations |
VLFR | Village Land Forest Reserve |
WD | Wildlife Division |
WMA | Wildlife Management Area |
WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature |
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APA Style
Magessa, K., Mbwambo, L. (2026). Assessing Organizational Effectiveness, Engagement and Partnerships in Biodiversity Policy Advocacy in Tanzania. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 15(3), 94-107. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11
ACS Style
Magessa, K.; Mbwambo, L. Assessing Organizational Effectiveness, Engagement and Partnerships in Biodiversity Policy Advocacy in Tanzania. Agric. For. Fish. 2026, 15(3), 94-107. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11
AMA Style
Magessa K, Mbwambo L. Assessing Organizational Effectiveness, Engagement and Partnerships in Biodiversity Policy Advocacy in Tanzania. Agric For Fish. 2026;15(3):94-107. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11
@article{10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11,
author = {Kajenje Magessa and Lawrence Mbwambo},
title = {Assessing Organizational Effectiveness, Engagement and Partnerships in Biodiversity Policy Advocacy in Tanzania},
journal = {Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {94-107},
doi = {10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.aff.20261503.11},
abstract = {Civil society organizations and community-based organizations play an increasingly important role globally in shaping natural resource governance and influencing biodiversity conservation policies. Through advocacy, policy dialogue, and partnerships with governments and development partners, these organizations help improve natural resources governance and ensure that community voices are represented in decision-making processes. Within this context, this study examines the strengths, weaknesses, and levels of engagement among organizations involved in biodiversity policy advocacy in Tanzania to identify areas for more effective future support and partnerships. The study employed 30 key informant interviews and three focus group discussions with stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation. Findings show that ten organizations have a defined policy advocacy agenda. Key strengths include strong advocacy capacity demonstrated by organizations such as Tanzania Forest Conservation Group, Tanzania Natural Resource Forum, the national network of community forest groups, and Marine Conservation and Development Initiative, which have successfully influenced policy and legal reforms. Additional strengths include strong national and international networks, credibility with government authorities and partners, effective use of media, and the ability to communicate policy recommendations to decision-makers. However, common weaknesses include limited funding for policy advocacy activities and a shortage of skilled policy advocates. Engagement in monitoring, evaluation, learning, and financial sustainability planning remains limited. Nonetheless, engagement in financial planning and sustainability remains weak, highlighting a key area for future capacity building and partnership strengthening. In conclusion, Tanzanian biodiversity advocacy organizations show strong policy influence but require greater financial and technical support to maximize their impact.},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Assessing Organizational Effectiveness, Engagement and Partnerships in Biodiversity Policy Advocacy in Tanzania AU - Kajenje Magessa AU - Lawrence Mbwambo Y1 - 2026/05/08 PY - 2026 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11 DO - 10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11 T2 - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries JF - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries JO - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries SP - 94 EP - 107 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2328-5648 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261503.11 AB - Civil society organizations and community-based organizations play an increasingly important role globally in shaping natural resource governance and influencing biodiversity conservation policies. Through advocacy, policy dialogue, and partnerships with governments and development partners, these organizations help improve natural resources governance and ensure that community voices are represented in decision-making processes. Within this context, this study examines the strengths, weaknesses, and levels of engagement among organizations involved in biodiversity policy advocacy in Tanzania to identify areas for more effective future support and partnerships. The study employed 30 key informant interviews and three focus group discussions with stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation. Findings show that ten organizations have a defined policy advocacy agenda. Key strengths include strong advocacy capacity demonstrated by organizations such as Tanzania Forest Conservation Group, Tanzania Natural Resource Forum, the national network of community forest groups, and Marine Conservation and Development Initiative, which have successfully influenced policy and legal reforms. Additional strengths include strong national and international networks, credibility with government authorities and partners, effective use of media, and the ability to communicate policy recommendations to decision-makers. However, common weaknesses include limited funding for policy advocacy activities and a shortage of skilled policy advocates. Engagement in monitoring, evaluation, learning, and financial sustainability planning remains limited. Nonetheless, engagement in financial planning and sustainability remains weak, highlighting a key area for future capacity building and partnership strengthening. In conclusion, Tanzanian biodiversity advocacy organizations show strong policy influence but require greater financial and technical support to maximize their impact. VL - 15 IS - 3 ER -