How to Cite:
Mr. Mdee Norah, Msuya Catherine, Busindeli Innocent, Martin Respikius, "From Searching to Optimizing: Assessing the Grassroots Innovation Journey in Tanzania" International Journal of Humanities Science Innovations and Management Studies, Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 1-17, 2025.

Abstract:
In Tanzania, grassroots innovators face significant challenges in fully realizing the benefits of their innovations, with only a small fraction successfully navigating the entire innovation journey. This paper assesses the stages experienced by selected grassroots innovators in Tanzania, employing a cross-sectional design. Quantitative data were gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire from 221 innovators, chosen from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) database and participants of the National Competition for Science, Technology and Innovation (MAKISATU) from 2020 to 2022, as well as those from the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA) in 2021 and 2022. Key informant interviews and observations were conducted to enhance the data collection process and identify various prototypes corresponding to the innovators' stages. Innovators were selected from eleven sectors based on their progression stages. Analysis revealed that approximately 90% of grassroots innovators do not advance through the innovation journey, primarily due to a lack of understanding of the necessary stages. Among the remaining 10% who reached the final stage, none were able to fully capitalize on their innovations. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to support Tanzanian grassroots innovators in optimizing their innovations' benefits, which could significantly contribute to the country's socio-economic development. By addressing the knowledge gaps and providing necessary resources, it is possible to enhance the success rate of grassroots innovations in Tanzania.

Keywords: Grassroots innovators, Grassroots innovation journey, Innovation, Optimization, Tanzania.

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