1.0 Institutional Overview

The Mbeya Regional Office (MRO) is one of the thirteen (13) regional offices operating under the Department of Extension and Outreach Programmes within the Institute of Continuing Co-operative Education (ICCE) at Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU). The Office serves as a decentralised institutional mechanism through which the University extends its services closer to grassroots communities across the Southern Highland regions of Mbeya, Songwe, and Rukwa. Through the MRO, MoCU complements government efforts towards the attainment of national development goals by providing education, capacity building, research, consultancy, and advisory services.

2.0 Location and Operational Environment

The MRO is located at Old Forest Area, Old Forest Ward, alongside Takukuru Road, in Mbeya City Council. The Office provides a pleasant and refreshing learning environment, distinguished by a scenic view of Mount Mbeya on the western side.

3.0 Areas of Operation

The Office operates across three regions, namely:

1. Mbeya;
2. Songwe; and
3. Rukwa.

4.0 Mandate and Core Activities

The MRO offers a wide range of activities in the areas of research, training, consultancy, and community outreach services to governmental and non-governmental organisations. Its clients and beneficiaries include central and local government authorities, financial and non-financial co-operatives, community microfinance groups, international organisations, and specialised programmes and initiatives that promote inclusive development. The Office designs and implements both conventional and tailor-made programmes based on the identified needs of its clients and target communities.

5.0 Consultancy Expertise

The MRO has substantial experience in consultancy services, including, inter alia:

• Strategic and business planning and capacity building
• Participatory training needs assessment
• Business development skills
• Entrepreneurship development and management
• Community and development needs assessment
• Agribusiness and value chain analysis
• Project planning and investment appraisal
• Baseline surveys, midline, endline, and impact evaluations
• Financial management and controls for governmental and non-governmental organisations
• Microfinance management and practices
• Management and leadership skills development
• Research methodologies and practices

6.0 Unique Functions in Co-operative and Community Development

Specifically, the Mbeya Regional Office performs the following functions:

1. Promotes co-operative development through research on both co-operative theory and practice;
2. Conducts need assessments for community-based organisations, co-operatives, and the general public to identify capacity gaps, priorities, and areas requiring targeted support;
3. Facilitates the formation processes of different types of co-operatives;
4. Empowers members, managers, and leaders of co-operatives and grassroots organisations through training, advisory services, and linkage with development support institutions to strengthen their capacity and promote sustainable development;
5. Organises and conducts seminars and workshops for members, staff, committees, and board members of co-operatives and other economic groups;
6. Coordinates distance learning programmes;
7. Organises and conducts short courses on various topical issues in business management and other relevant fields for organisations and individuals, to enhance their knowledge, skills, and capacity in their respective areas of interest;
8. Organises and carries out gender-responsive programmes aimed at creating favourable conditions for sustainable development for all, including disadvantaged groups; and
9. Prepares training and operational materials for various clients, including co-operatives, other socio-economic groups, CBOs, NGOs, individuals, and other stakeholders in community development.

7.0 Clientele and Beneficiaries

The Office serves a diverse clientele, including central and local government authorities, financial and non-financial co-operatives, community microfinance groups, international organisations, specialised programmes, and initiatives that promote inclusive development. Its services are designed to strengthen institutional capacity, improve organisational performance, and support sustainable socio-economic development.

8.0 Affiliation and Contact

The Mbeya Regional Office is affiliated with the Institute of Continuing Co-operative Education (ICCE), Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU), Sokoine Road, P.O. Box 474, Moshi, Tanzania.

For further information, enquiries may be directed to the Regional Programme Coordinator at the Mbeya Regional Office or to the Director, Institute of Continuing Co-operative Education (ICCE), MoCU.