to research into the issue. Our analysis came out with a list of incentive goods for farmers. The response of farmers to production was very positive when these goods became available through an import support programme.

·      Another major area of research was in the area of co-operatives. Through various commissioning by DANIDA, BUMACO, Afroaid and The Cooperative College carried out a series of studies directed at structure, performance, problems and policies of co-operative development in Tanzania. After many studies a major conclusion was reached that the policies which had been pursued by the government of Tanzania were not conducive to co-operative development. Many of the problems suffered by the movement could be attributed to the policies. This was the beginning of the new initiatives in co-operative policy including the 1991 Co-operative Societies Act.

·      BUMACO worked in close collaboration with ILO MATCOM (Materials and Techniques for Co-operative Management Training) Project. Various training packages were edited and tested for suitability in training.

·      In the late eighties BUMACO spearheaded the transformation of Cooperative Education Center into community based training institution, forming part of Cooperative College Department of Field Education.

      Currently BUMACO is involved in Micro finance development initiatives. We have made comparative studies between Cooperative Savings and Credit Societies with a view of finding ways of making SACCOS more effective organizations in Rural areas. Through RUFIP (Rural Financial Institutions Development Programme), BUMACO is assisting several Rural SACCOS to transform into effective efficient financial institution.