Religious forces have shaped nearly every aspect of Tanzanian society over the past centuries, spanning the precolonial era to the present. Today, the vast majority of Tanzanians identify as Christian or Muslim and, when asked, respond that religion plays a very important role in their life. Faith actors, including individual churches and mosques, local and national FIOs, and ecumenical and interfaith organizations, work at the front lines of nearly every development issue in Tanzania. They operate or are involved with schools and health centers throughout the country, a role that has particular importance in underserved communities. FIOs also spearhead initiatives and lead advocacy on topics such as sustainable agriculture, gender equality, refugees and asylum seekers, and HIV/AIDS prevention, occasionally in partnership with state actors and other NGOs. This report provides an overview of Tanzania’s religious landscape in relation to major development issues. Supported by the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD), the report is part of a broad effort to explore these questions in the context of four countries.
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