The Tengeru Institute of Community Development (TICD) formerly known as the Community Development Training Institute (CDTI-Tengeru) was established in 1963 to develop skilled community development professionals capable of driving social and economic transformation in Tanzania.
Over the decades, the Institute has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability following the establishment of the East African Community (EAC) in 1967, its operations were temporarily relocated to Mzumbe (Morogoro) and Murutunguru, Ukerewe (Mwanza). After the collapse of the EAC in 1977, the Institute resumed its operations at Tengeru in 1978 where it has continued to fulfil its mandate with renewed commitment.
In 2013 when the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania established TICD as an autonomous higher learning institution through the Tengeru Institute of Community Development (Establishment Order), thereby strengthening its mandate in teaching, research, consultancy and community engagement.
A major milestone was achieved in July 2026, when the Institute entered a new era following the affiliation of several former Community Development Training Institute and Community Development Training and Technical Institute (CDTTI’s) into a single national Institute under the name Tengeru Institute of Community Development (TICD). This transformation expanded the Institute's presence across Tanzania through campuses including Buhare (in Mara region), Mabughai (in Tanga region), Misungwi (in Mwanza region), Mlale (in Ruvuma region), Monduli (in Arusha region), Ruaha (Iringa region), Rungemba (Iringa region), and Uyole (Mbeya region). The expansion strengthened TICD's mandate to provide accessible, quality education and training to communities across the country.

Since its establishment, the Institute has remained committed to empowering individuals and communities through quality education, research, consultancy, and outreach services as a national centre of excellence in training of Community Development; Gender and Social Work; Project Planning and Management and Business and Social Studies.

Today, the Institute continues to be one of the leading and specialized education, training and research institution in community development in the Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa. TICD continues to support Tanzania's national development agenda by producing competent graduates, conducting policy-relevant research, providing consultancy services, and building partnerships with government institutions, development partners, universities, and local communities.

The Institute also actively contributes to the implementation of Tanzania Development Vision – Dira 2050 by promoting innovation, climate resilience, social justice, entrepreneurship, and inclusive community development.

With a growing academic reputation, modern learning facilities, qualified staff, and strong stakeholder partnerships, TICD remains committed to its vision of becoming a centre of excellence in community development education, research, consultancy, and innovation in Tanzania and beyond.