Tanzanian Journal of Population Studies and Development

The impact of religious influence on humanitarianism: evidence from local communities affected by floods in Kilosa, Tanzania

Lucas Shija Kitula — 2024-12-27

This article aims to elucidate the impact of religion on humanitarian practices within local communities affected by floods and the resulting contributions to community survival. Empirical data derived from interviews and focus group discussions conducted with community members in Msowero and Mbigiri wards, Kilosa District, in Morogoro Region, forms the basis of the study findings. Both Muslims and Christians perceive assisting the needy as a divine directive and command, with Holy Scriptures such as the Bible and Quran affirming that those helping their fellow humans will receive divine rewards. The act of helping the needy is identified as a means of validating one’s faith, expiating sin, demonstrating respect for others, engaging in worship, and fulfilling a duty to God. The study reveals that individuals in flood-affected local communities actively engage in humanitarianism by helping victims. These acts encompass providing basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter, facilitating education services by covering school fees and acquiring uniforms for students, and offering health-related services. Such humanitarian practices significantly contribute to community survival by ensuring the availability of essential resources for victims, promoting good health and well-being, and facilitating access to social services, particularly education for children. This article not only highlights how religiously influenced humanitarianism is pivotal for community survival but also underscores the essential role played by individual local community members as crucial contributors to government and development partners’ endeavours in safeguarding people’s well-being during and after natural disasters like floods.

Low usage of modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Tanzania: Analysis beyond availability and awareness factors

Magreth J. Maning — 2024-12-27

Most studies on contraceptives have linked low use with awareness and problems of availability. However, these studies have not considered low or discontinuation of use of contraceptives to be a positive phenomenon where women exercise their reproductive rights or autonomy. Hence, this article has adopted a Marxist-feminist theory of contraceptives to examine the association between socio-demographic factors and low usage of contraceptives among women of reproductive age. It also evaluates the influence of the availability and awareness on the use or non-use of contraceptives among such a group of women. The article is based on a cross-sectional case study conducted in Kigoma Rural District, Tanzania. The data were collected through questionnaires modified from TDHS, and interviews with nurses and an in-charge of a health facility. Secondary data were collected from TDHS (2016, 2022), Tanzania Service Delivery Point report, Stock Inventory Charts and Our World data sets. Quantitative analysis was performed through STATA 14, and secondary data was processed through content analysis. The study found that though the majority of the reproductive age are aware of contraceptives, most (80%) have not used them. We do not treat this as a problem, but as an exercise of reproductive rights and autonomy by women. In addition, there is no significant evidence to prove any influence of socio-demographic factors on low use of contraceptives. Low use and discontinuation of contraceptives are associated with the need for more children by women, and the side effects of contraceptives. Therefore, we conclude that women should be left to decide when and how to use contraceptives: they should not be forced through direct or indirect health services.

Managing transboundary water resources at the edge of human interface: the case of Kagera River Basin, Tanzania

Estella Mgala — 2024-12-27

Globally, water concerns stemming from human factors are evident, and the Kagera River Basin exemplifies this challenge. This study investigated the influence of human elements on transboundary water resource management in the Kagera River Basin. Utilizing focus group discussions, household surveys, key informant interviews, and field observations, the study analysed land use changes via remote sensing; and processed quantitative data using SPSS 20 and ArcGIS 10.4. Results highlighted economic, political, and social factors as key factors influencing transboundary water resource management. The institutional analysis identified major players to include the Ministry of Water, Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, NELSAP, Ministry of Agriculture, village governments, and CONCERN/OXFAM. Non-climatic factors such as water infrastructure management, socio-economic factors, conflicting water uses, agricultural practices causing soil erosion, and land use/cover changes were identified as central to transboundary water resource challenges. Agricultural expansion and land use shifts in the basin in 1986, 2000 and 2021 were pinpointed as contributors to water resource challenges that impacted availability, access, and quality. Anthropogenic-driven land use changes emerged as significant contributors to pollution, habitat loss, and alterations in water quality. While human factors substantially influence water resources, their impact is exacerbated by anthropogenic activities. Thus, fostering collaborative planning and stewardship initiatives at the local level is crucial for sustaining transboundary water resources. This involves engaging community members and leaders in developing resilience plans and initiating international cooperation, and innovative participatory approaches for effective transboundary water resources management.

Human-wildlife conflicts in a changing climate regime: a multidimensional perspective in Swagaswaga Game Reserve, Tanzania

Neema Senkondo — 2024-12-27

This study examines the influence of climatic and non-climatic factors on human-wildlife conflicts in Swagaswaga Game Reserve, Tanzania. A mixed research design employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods—including semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews—was used. Rainfall and temperature data for the past 30 years were obtained from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS (V26), in which the Chi-square test was performed to test the association between predictors and the status of human-wildlife conflicts. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the extent to which independent factors were associated with human-wildlife conflicts. Meteorological data on rainfall and temperature were analysed using Excel to perform a simple regression analysis. Qualitative data were analysed using the content analysis technique. The study revealed that both climatic and non-climatic factors influenced conflicts. As temperature increased significantly, evapotranspiration and scarcity of resources also increased, leading to a decline in crop yield, accelerated human-wildlife conflicts due to resource competition between wildlife and communities around protected areas. Rainfall distribution, onset, and cessation were unpredictable. Additionally, human-wildlife conflicts are significantly associated with human population growth, while encroachment and reserve expansion influenced human-wildlife conflicts, though their impacts were not significant. Conclusively, climate change and rapid human population growth accelerated encroachment, causing wildlife survival threats and intensifying human-wildlife conflicts. The study recommends that the government should develop a comprehensive land use plan involving local communities in decision-making to adapt to the impacts of climate change on wildlife habitats and livelihoods.

The legal and institutional challenges facing community-based disaster management in Tanzania

Esther Mlingwa — 2024-12-27

This article examines the legal and institutional challenges facing community-based disaster management in Tanzania. This study employed qualitative methods to analyse the legislative and institutional framework governing disaster management in Tanzania. Data was gathered through interviews and focused group discussions with stakeholders engaged in disaster management in Tanzania. The study results indicate that government actors acknowledge the significance of community-based disaster management. However, the integration of local communities in the disaster management process is impeded by various legal and institutional challenges. There exists a notable discrepancy between the policy and legislation governing disaster management. Additionally, the allocation of funds for disaster management is limited, and the avenues for public participation are ineffective. The requirement for sufficient integration of local communities is necessary to foster community-based disaster management. The study suggests a range of legal and institutional changes to improve the integration of communities in the disaster management process. These proposed reforms include legal empowerment of local communities, acknowledging the value of indigenous knowledge, strengthening disaster management committees by offering financial assistance and promoting greater involvement of the civil society.

Geospatial assessment of the occurrence of flooding in informal settlements in Ilala Municipality, Tanzania

Matiko Emanuel — 2024-12-27

This article assesses the occurrence of flooding in informal settlements of Ilala Municipality using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Non-probability sampling technique was used to select participants for participatory mapping. Data collection was done through participatory mapping, remote sensing, document review, and field observation. The weighted sum tool in ArcGIS was used to combine flood factors layers and create flood-prone area maps. Participatory mapping was used to map flood depth before data was converted for map visualization. Results indicated that areas with high to very high risk of flooding are generally decreasing over time. From 1990–2000 areas with high risk of flooding covered 31.1% of the study area, decreasing to 21.1% from 2001–2010, while from 2011–2020 it covered 21.6%. However, flood depths increased over time. From 1990–2000 the highest flood depth was 5ft, that decreased to 4ft between 2011–2020. Hence, people living in informal settlements are more vulnerable and mostly affected by floods because of disposing of solid wastes into the river valley, which blocks drainage systems, thereby causing overflow of water. Therefore, regulations guiding human development near the river valleys should be improved and unlawful activities in the river valley be discouraged. Again, storm water drainage systems should be protected and well managed as the levels of storm water have become very high over time. Waste collection contracts should be given to private companies which are flexible and able to use alternative means of accessing unplanned streets to easily collect wastes.