Role of Transformational Leadership on Innovative Pro-poor Development Initiatives in Zanzibar: A Case of Selected Community-based Income Generating Projects in the Urban West Region, Zanzibar

Abstract

Leadership style is one of the factors that play a significant role in enhancing or retarding the performance of individuals in any organization. This study attempted to reveal the role of transformational leadership on innovative pro-poor development initiatives in Zanzibar where selected community-based income generating projects in the Urban West Region, Zanzibar were used a case study. Data were collected from six shehias namely Mwera, Kihinani, Kisauni, Kiembesamaki, Matarumbeta and Chumbuni where 180 respondents were consulted through observation, interview and questionnaire methods. Data analysis was done for each study objective through content analysis and descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed 7 major transformational leadership practices in the study area including motivation, periodic appraisals, inspiration, volunteering, mentoring, sharing and training. On the other hand the study concluded 6 major community based income-generating activities namely animal keeping, poultry keeping, vegetable garden, fish processing, small businesses and hand-crafting business. This study further revealed numerous challenges facing the adoption of transformational leadership in various development initiatives in the study area including lack of skills, lack of fund, lack of knowledge, low level of education, poor perception of the community and inadequate awareness of the existing pro-poor projects. Lastly based on the study findings, it was concluded that poultry keeping was highly practiced activity in the study area. Capacity building interventions were highly urged for enhancing skills, knowledge and awareness of the adoption of transformational leadership in various development initiatives in the study area hence making the existing pro-poor initiatives useful in the study area.