I feel excited and grateful to welcome you all to the Department of Co-operative Education (DCE) at Kizumbi Institute of Co-operative and Business Education (KICoB) of the Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU). DCE is one of the two academic departments formulated in January 2021 concurrently with approval of the establishment of KICoB by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) after the transformation of the then Kizumbi Teaching Center (KTC). The main DCE function is to conduct teaching, research, consultancy and community services in the areas of co-operatives, community development and business professionalism. To meet its core business, DCE has equipped itself with the relevant academic staff of different levels ranging from Tutorial Assistants to Senior Lectures. The department operates in a cool and conducive environment at KICoB which enhances students to carry out their studies efficiently and effectively. The farfetched goal is to become the best provider of co-operative education in the country and thereby producing competent professionals who will involve in solving societies’ problems and thus spearhead towards achieving the national and international socio-economic development agenda.

The Department of Co-operative Education (DCE) is one of the two academic departments at the Kizumbi Institute of Co-operative and Business Education (KICoB). The Department plays a key role in co-operative teaching, research, consultancy and community services in Lake Zone Region and Tanzania at large. The department owns two programmes namely the Certificate in Management and Accounting (CMA) and Diploma in Co-operative Management and Accounting (DCMA). Currently, DCE is the move to adopt a Bachelor of Co-operative Management and Accounting (BCMA) from the Department of Co-operative Development and Management (CDM) at Moshi Campus. The DCE consists of eight (8) academic staff of whom one (1) is a senior lecturer, three (3) are lecturers, three (3) are assistant lecturers and one (1) is a tutorial assistant. Among academic staff, two (2) are PhD holders, five (5) are master holders and one (1) is a bachelor's degree holder.

Co-operative development involves providing expert guidance and support to groups of individuals seeking to form co-operatives. This consultation area assists in the establishment, management, and enhancement of co-operative enterprises. It covers areas such as co-operative governance, business planning, and sustainability strategies, fostering a collaborative and economically empowering environment.

Microfinance consultation focuses on delivering financial advice and services to individuals or small businesses, often in underserved communities. This area addresses financial inclusion by offering support in micro-loans, savings programs, and financial literacy, with the goal of fostering entrepreneurship, poverty reduction, and economic stability at the grassroots level.

Community Development consultation is geared towards empowering communities and enhancing their overall well-being. This service involves collaborating with local stakeholders to identify community needs, develop strategic plans, and implement projects that address social, economic, and environmental challenges. The aim is to build resilient, sustainable, and inclusive communities through effective planning and resource mobilization.

As the Co-operative Education Department, our institution leads the charge in research dedicated to Co-operative Development. We highlight our department’s integral role in advancing knowledge, policy, and practical solutions within cooperative ecosystems. Through a combination of scholarly contributions, collaborative projects, and community engagement, we actively shape the discourse on cooperative enterprises. Our role extends beyond academic boundaries, as we work closely with communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, translating research insights into actionable strategies for sustainable co-operative development.

Within the dynamic realm of microfinance, the Co-operative Education Department assumes a central role in pioneering research that informs both theory and practice. Our Microfinance Research Snapshot showcases our department’s leadership in developing innovative micro-economic models, financial inclusion strategies, and impact assessments. By seamlessly integrating rigorous academic inquiry with practical implementation, we actively contribute to the evolution of microfinance as a potent tool for poverty alleviation. Our collaborations with financial institutions, NGOs, and governmental bodies highlight our department’s crucial role in bridging research with tangible solutions, fostering a financial landscape that empowers the under-served.

At the Co-operative Education Department, we stand at the forefront of community development research, catalyzing positive change. Our insight underscores our crucial role in understanding and addressing the complex challenges faced by communities. Through interdisciplinary research, impactful projects, and community engagement, we actively contribute to the development of sustainable solutions. Our department’s pivotal role extends beyond academia; we serve as a bridge between research findings and actionable strategies for community betterment. By fostering partnerships with local organizations and leveraging our expertise, we play a vital role in shaping community development practices that promote inclusivity, resilience, and social progress.