Public procurement as a strategic tool for the achievement of sustainable development goals in Tanzania: Experience from public higher learning institutions in the Dar es Salaam Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.3.3.17Keywords:
Gender Consideration, Public Procurement, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Procurement, Sustainable Procurement Practices, Youth ParticipationAbstract
The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a key priority for developing countries, with governments increasingly using public procurement as a strategic tool to support their attainment. This study examined public procurement as a strategic instrument for attaining the SDGs in Tanzania, with a specific focus on public higher education institutions in the Dar es Salaam Region. Specifically, the study examined the influence of gender consideration, youth participation and sustainable procurement in achievement of sustainable development goals. Data were collected using questionnaires from 161 randomly selected respondents drawn from a target population of 271. Out of the 161 questionnaires distributed, 155 were returned and properly completed and were therefore included in the analysis. The research utilized a quantitative cross-sectional methodology to collected data from the respondents and employed multiple linear regression to analyze the gathered data. The findings indicated that all three examined variables, specifically; sustainable procurement practices, gender considerations in procurement, and youth participation in procurement exhibit a substantial positive correlation with sustainable development goals. The study concluded that public procurement practices widely contribute to poverty alleviation, gender equality and environmental sustainability if is well managed by the procuring entities. The study recommended that procuring entities should address challenges faced by youth-led enterprises, particularly regarding size related barriers in competitive bidding. Secondly, the government should strengthen and fully integrate gender-sensitive policies into supplier selection criteria to improve access for women-owned businesses. Third, government should prioritize environmental sustainability by promoting the use of renewable materials and requiring suppliers to demonstrate sustainability commitments.
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