How Knowledge, Policy Planning, and Implementation Succeed or Fail: The Jatropha Projects in Tanzania

Abstract

Promoting successful biofuel production in developing economies requires an appreciation of local culture. In Tanzania, where soaring economic expectations have accompanied disappointing commercial outcomes, contemporary project managers would do well to adopt inclusive agricultural planning strategies. Overlooked in the past, Tanzania's farmers now demand a place at the project planning table. Meanwhile, the Tanzanian government has called on the Japan International Cooperation Agency to assess local obstacles to economic development. Strongly influenced by Professor Ikujiro Nonaka, the Japan International Cooperation Agency's methodology suggests community participation and local management are central to project success, and both are vital to assessing success and failure in Tanzania's Jatropha biofuel industry.