Strengthening the Voice of the Poor: Faith-Based Organizations' Engagement in Policy Consultation Processes in Nigeria and Tanzania

Abstract

This paper reports on attempts in Nigeria and Tanzania to build the capacity of selected religious organizations to participate in policy consultation processes, by strengthening their ability to speak effectively to governments on behalf of poor and marginalized communities. Two pilot projects, one in each country, set out to foster inter-faith networks of co-operation and resource sharing, increase skills in data collection, and use the evidence gathered to put forward constructive proposals for future policy and practice. The paper asks whether a viable model emerged from these pilot projects for future engagement in policy processes by faith-based organizations and whether they can bring contributions which add value to those of civil society organizations in general