Navigating grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: factors shaping innovation
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Date
2025-03-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
Abstract
Grassroots innovation is increasingly recognized for its potential to address localized challenges
and promote sustainable development. This study addressed the factors influencing grassroots
innovation journeys in Tanzania, utilizing PESTLE and SWOT analysis frameworks. A cross-
sectional design was used to collect qualitative data guided by a semi-structured questionnaire from
35 grassroots innovators. 16 innovators were purposively selected from the Tanzania Commission
for Science and Technology (COSTECH) innovators database, 11 were purposively selected from Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) databases and 8 innovators
were purposively selected from 2020, 2021 and 2022 and participants in the 45 th and 46th Dar es
Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA) in 2021 and 2022. Key informant
interviews and observations supplemented the collected data, identifying different prototypes
according to the stages of innovation. Innovators were selected from 11 sectors: Agriculture,
Information and Communication Technology, Environment, Energy, Engineering, Education, Health,
Security, Transport, Industrial and Water. The findings highlight the critical role of political support,
economic stability, technological access and community engagement in fostering successful
grassroots innovation journeys. The study offers policy recommendations to enhance the
effectiveness and sustainability of grassroots innovation initiatives in Tanzania. Emphasizing the
need for stable funding, robust legal frameworks and holistic approach to address multifaceted
challenges. This includes policy reforms, economic incentives, societal attitude shifts, technological
support, legal clarity and infrastructural improvements. By tackling these issues comprehensively,
Tanzania can create a more vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem, unlocking the potential of
its innovators to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Grassroots innovation journey, grassroots innovations, PESTLE analysis, SWOT analysis, Tanzania
Citation
Norah, Mdee, Msuya Catherine, Busindeli Innocent, and Martin Respikius. 2025. “Navigating Grassroots Innovation Journey in Tanzania: Factors Shaping Innovation”. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology 43 (3):152- 69. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajaees/2025/v43i32710.