The Government of Tanzania has decided to make Participatory Policy Research, in the form of Participatory Poverty Assessments (PPAs), a routine part of its Poverty Monitoring System. As such, future PPAs will be firmly enmeshed in national level planning processes. This does not imply that their findings will be irrelevant to Local Authorities. At the very least, PPAs will play a critical part in shaping the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and Sector Plans that provide the framework of common values and understanding that orient, organise and empower pro-poor development planning at all levels of Government.

Zanzibar islands are famous for many things. Their exquisite beaches and splendid resorts are a haven for holiday makers. Their spices make many chefs around the world very proud of their work and the involvement in slavery adds a dark side to an otherwise illustrious past. The Islands are now home to the Zanzibar International Film Festival (Ziff) of the Dhow Countries now in its fourth year. The festival, arguably the largest cultural event of its kind in East Africa, has effectively tapped into their rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage.