ASSESSMENT OF GREEN PROCUREMENT PRACTICES IN TANZANIA

Abstract

Environmental Pollution has become a world problem and has increased drastically in volume as human activities increases and as more countries continue to industrialize and industrial output expands. However, both developed and developing countries are increasingly encouraged to participate in sustainability movement through various strategies for future generation. Green procurement, the purchasing of environmentally sustainable product and services is one of these strategies. Tanzania as one of world countries is facing environmental problems due to stated reasons therefore set forward strategies to reduce environmental problems, among those being Green procurement. This study aimed at assessment of green procurement practices in Tanzania. It focused on assessment of the extent of awareness of green procurement practices in Tanzania, extent of application, factors hindering its application and strategies for its effective implementation. Key respondent were procurement officers of various firms, Questionnaires and Interview were used to collect data. Results of the study revealed that, though awareness of respondents were satisfactory, but level of application of green procurement practices of many firms was low. Factors hindering its application among others were mainly lack of commitment of top management and lack of education on green procurement issues. For effective implementation of green procurement practices, it was recommended that green procurement policy in the country be effectively adhered to. People should be educated and encouraged to use green product and services for good environmental stewardship.