Performance evaluation of urban community based organizations in Tanzania : a case study of two services delivery CBO's in Dar Es Salaam city

Abstract

This study was conducted in Tandale and Kigamboni wards in Dar es Salaam city starting from January 2004 to January 2005. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of urban community based organizations in Tanzania. Two organizations WAMKUTU (CBO) and UMAWA (NGO) were the focus of this study. The scope of this research was to examine efficiency of urban-based service delivery CBOs in a view of advising on performance improvement on these organizations. The CBO members and the target population served by the organizations were the major units of inquiry. A cross-sectional research design was adopted in collecting data. Primary data was obtained through questionnaires survey. Supplementary data were obtained through focused group discussions, informal interviews of key informants, and direct observations. Research findings revealed that capacity building among these organizations was necessary in order to improve organizations effectiveness. Community acceptance, proper management skills, good leadership, participatory approaches, and teamwork support were some of the qualities deemed essential for improving the performance and management of these organizations. Awareness creation and community sensitization, as well as mobilization of funds to support the organizations activities were found to be important. (Author abstract)