Independent, non-profit making organisation established in 1994 and concerned with poverty and related policy issues in Tanzania. It undertakes and facilitates research, conducts training and disseminates information through workshops and forums. Its stated objectives are:
- to build and strengthen local capacity and competence to undertake rigorous independent research on poverty issues
- to build an effective and autonomous poverty research network with local to global connections
- to deepen the understanding of poverty issues among grassroots organisations, local researchers, research bodies, policy and decision makers
- to contribute to the development of policies aimed at combating poverty, both locally and globally
- to disseminate research output and forge linkages between poverty research and interested parties, including decision-makers in government, NGOs, grassroots organisations, business, academic and donor organisations.
Its key research themes are:
- implications of public policies on poverty alleviation
- linkage between poverty and the environment
- role of technology in poverty alleviation
- gender and poverty alleviation
- social cultural determinants of poverty.
REPOA encourages researchers to submit proposals relating to these themes. Other structured research initiatives include topical issues such as the urban labour market, social dimensions of poverty and trends in rural poverty within the wider context of reforms taking place in the country.
The website includes more details on REPOA and lists of publications. Newsletters and policy briefings based on its research reports are available to view online. Other publications may be ordered from the site.