Development and empowerment of rural communities through networks and networking are part of Tanzania’s government commitment aimed at enabling rural communities achieve sustainable livelihoods. Nevertheless, neoliberalism gravely interferes with such initiatives. Using a GAD lens and anti-colonial discursive framework, it has been learned that neoliberalism has major disadvantages to rural communities. In particular, neoliberalism makes, among other things, life for community members and women in particular unbearable through severe competition in the market. Other pertinent issues with regards to the disadvantages of neoliberalism have been discussed in the paper. The knowledge gained from this study will benefit African studies, human geography, gender studies and community development scholars and practitioners.
Key words: Africa, Networks, gender relations, women empowerment, rural development