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Policy, governance, financing and coordination barriers to early childhood development implementation in Tanzania: a qualitative study

Katunzi F, Meyer L, Mtongwa R, Mrema J, William A et al. · 24 Jun 2026

Abstract

Abstract Background Early Childhood Development (ECD) requires coordinated action across health, nutrition, early learning, child protection, and caregiving. Yet translating this multisectoral agenda into implementation remains difficult in many settings. In Tanzania, there is limited empirical evidence on how stakeholders across different levels of the system understand the barriers affecting ECD implementation. This study explored stakeholder perspectives on the systemic barriers shaping ECD implementation, with particular attention to policy, financing, multisectoral coordination, and governance. Methods An exploratory qualitative design was used, drawing on 55 in-depth interviews conducted between June and July 2024 with national policymakers, regional and council officials, and community-level actors across four regions of mainland Tanzania. Results Participants described an ECD implementation system marked by a fragmented policy environment, weak and unclear governance arrangements, inconsistent multisectoral coordination, and financing that was fragmented and difficult to track. These barriers were understood as interrelated weaknesses that reinforced one another across sectors and administrative levels, weakening coordinated implementation and limiting the delivery of integrated support for young children and their families. Conclusions The findings suggest that ECD implementation in Tanzania is constrained by fragmented sectoral arrangements and weak alignment in leadership, coordination, financing, and accountability. Addressing these barriers will require clearer institutional leadership, stronger coordination across sectors and levels of government, and more functional systems for planning, financing, and accountability. This study provides an empirically grounded account of the systemic conditions shaping ECD implementation in Tanzania.