Religions and development in Tanzania: a preliminary literature review

Abstract

This review attempts to provide a background to studies on the position of religions in Tanzania and their contributions to development efforts. Traditionally, the role of religion in development has been viewed as both important and non-problematic. The colonial state generally regarded Christianity, and to a lesser extent Islam, as allies in the modernization process: after all, religious groups provided important services, such as education and health, and pacified colonial subjects by urging them to seek spiritual and material self improvement. The post-colonial state also supported religious organizations: it saw them as development partners that silently provided services to citizens, especially in areas the state was unable to reach. More recently, however, tensions have surfaced between the state and religious groups in Tanzania. In this introduction I identify some key aspects of recent relationships between the Tanzanian state and faith traditions in the country.