Exploring Potential Areas for Institute of Adult Education’s Promotion of Knowledge Sharing among Adult Population in Tanzania

Abstract

Knowledge is a valuable resource and commodity on which development of organization or society greatly depends. This paper presents findings of the study which explored potentials of the Institute of Adult Education in promoting knowledge resource sharing among the adults in Tanzania. The study aimed at finding out the position of IAE in promoting knowledge sharing among adults and seeking to establish potential areas for IAE’s consideration in ensuring that knowledge sharing is enhanced. Through qualitative approach, data were collected in Dar es Salaam in the year 2020 through two methods: content analysis (documents review) and interactive interviews. Content analysis involved four documents and interviews were conducted to eight IAE staff. Findings of the study reveal that though IAE is vested with mandate on adult education in Tanzania the national education policy and plans do not make direct recognition of that. Similarly, there is no establishment of clear and effective mechanisms that provide avenue for wide sharing of knowledge among adults in a country. However, the study provides some areas which are potential for IAE to adopt in its efforts to promote knowledge sharing behaviour among adults in the country. It recommends that, if its functions are clearly defined while pegged on its establishment act and if the potential areas proposed in this study are analysed for implementation IAE will play a notable role in managing knowledge sharing behaviour in the country.