Building a life as a beneficiary of philanthrocapitalism: Value chains and value transformation in rural Tanzania

Tracing processes in which “philanthrocapitalism” generates benefits enables exploration of value-making through hierarchical global relations. Peripheral vision based on fieldwork in Rungwe District shows putative beneficiaries’ ways of valuing support exceed donors’ intentions. The philanthropic intervention model is organized around the concept of a chain of value addition by and for farmers. This is represented by increased income, which remains elusive. Drawing on the work of Nancy Munn, David Graeber, and Elizabeth Ferry, this article explores transformations (in how value is conceived and pursued) through which rural Tanzanians negotiate political-economic constraints. They prioritize cultivating relations with those who have resources rather than following their instructions to maximize milk production. This is a different value chain approach through which people try to build a life.