Tanzania Journal for Population studies and Development

Assessing Unmet Need for Contraception Between Never Married, Married and Cohabiting Women in Ghana

Ellen Mabel Osei-Tutu — 2025-12-23

This study investigated the level of unmet need for contraception between never married, married, and cohabiting women in Ghana. Also examined were the differences in unmet need for contraception for these women by their characteristics, using the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data. The sample size was 13,472 participants, made up of 5,268 never married, 6,008 married, and 2,196 cohabiting, women. A quantitative approach using SPSS (V20) was employed for the data analyses, which consisted of bivariate and multivariate analyses. The results revealed that the total unmet need for contraception was mainly made up of spacing for all women irrespective of their marital statuses. The characteristics of the women—such as age, education, occupation, wealth index, religion, and region of residence—were significantly related to unmet need for contraception. Hence, the study concluded that all women—irrespective of their marital statuses—have a higher need for spacing than limiting births. Thus, policies aimed at addressing the increase in uptake of particularly modern contraceptives should be inclusive of all women. This is expected to reduce the unmet need for contraception in the long-run. Also, reducing unmet need for contraception in Ghana requires strategies that empower women to align fertility intentions with consistent contraceptive use, thereby advancing reproductive autonomy and national family planning goals.

Application of Generalized Linear Model for Correlated Health Outcomes of Children Under-five in Tanzania: A Case of Malaria, Anaemia and Fever

Marystella Vicent — 2025-12-23

Malaria, anaemia, and fever are critical public health issues in Tanzania, affecting particularly children under-five years old. Despite ongoing efforts to lower child mortality, these diseases are still prevalent, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality rates. This study investigated the patterns and common factors linked to childhood multimorbidity through the generalized linear model for correlated health outcomes. The study was based on two theoretical frameworks: the epidemiologic transition theory, and the social determinants of health theory. The analysis used data from three waves of the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey conducted in 2007/08, 2011/12, and 2015/16. The findings revealed that the prevalence rates of malaria (9%–13%), anaemia (57%–70%), and fever (18%–22%) varied across the survey periods. Malaria risk increased with age, while anaemia and fever decreased as children aged. Children of mothers with no formal education had higher anaemia risks, and non-breastfed children were more likely to have fever. Other significant predictor factors included household size, maternal education, and employment status; which were consistently linked to the three health conditions across all survey years. The study recommends targeted health interventions, particularly in maternal education and breastfeeding promotion, to alleviate the burden of anaemia and fever. Strengthening malaria prevention strategies tailored to various age groups is also vital. Policy recommendations advocate for integrating maternal health education into community health programmes, promoting breastfeeding awareness, and enhancing access to child-focused healthcare services.

The Impact of High Living Costs, Urban Agglomeration, and Inequality on the Core Economic Drivers of Urban Out-Migration in Sub-Saharan African Cities

Nzabirinda Etienne — 2025-12-23

Income Inequality-Fertility Nexus: Do Differing Levels of Economic Development Matter?

Ibrahim Abidemi Odusanya — 2025-12-23

The economically more developed countries (EMDCs) are conjectured to differ from the less developed countries (LDCs) in terms of the link between income, income inequality and fertility, given their differing levels of economic development. This paper examined this view by revisiting the link between income inequality and fertility for 48 Sub-Sahara African countries (mainly LDCs), and 38 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries (mainly EMDCs), covering the period 2000–2020, using the system generalized method of moments (GMM). The results indicate that the effects of income inequality and income on fertility are positive in both groups of countries, and even more significant in the OECD countries. Likewise, the direction of the relationship between level of education, contraceptive usage, labour participation rate and health expenditure with fertility are similar for SSA and OECD countries. The findings suggest that the differing level of development of the LDCs and EMDCs may not be crucial in the link between income inequality and fertility.

Rapid Population Growth and Infrastructural Challenges in Dodoma City, Tanzania

Issa Hamisi Issa — 2025-12-23

Rapid urbanization and population growth across African cities have intensified infrastructural challenges, particularly in the delivery of essential services such as transport, water, healthcare, education, and housing. As urban populations expand, often doubling within a decade, pressure on infrastructure deepens, especially in peripheral zones where disparities in service access are most pronounced. This study examines the nature and extent of these challenges using a mixed-methods approach, combining household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The quantitative data were collected from 400 randomly selected households across five urban wards. The results show that 67.6% of the respondents face limited access to basic services, 56.3% report poor road conditions, and 33.3% experience water shortages. Additional concerns include overcrowded classrooms, understaffed health facilities, and unaffordable services; with women and low-income groups being disproportionately affected. The findings highlight how spatial governance dynamics contribute to infrastructural deficits amid rapid urban growth. The study recommends inclusive planning and targeted investment in underserved areas to foster sustainable and equitable urban development.

The Drivers of Vulnerability to Climate Change for Banana Growers in Tanzania

Onesmo selejio — 2025-12-23

Bananas are a key staple food and cash crop in Tanzania, supporting millions of smallholder farmers with food security and income. However, its production is increasingly constrained by climate change, pests and diseases, soil degradation, and market fluctuations, which threaten both crop output and household welfare. This study examined the vulnerability of banana growers to climate change, and its key drivers. Using the first three waves (2008/09, 2010/11 and 2012.13) of the Tanzania National Panel Survey data (TNPS), a vulnerability index was constructed through principal component analysis (PCA), while drivers of vulnerability were established using a fixed effects model. The results from the PCA show that 89.34% of banana-growing households are highly vulnerable, primarily due to low adaptive capacity. The average vulnerability index for the entire period covered by this study was -56.28, which is considered high; and is mainly attributed to drought and flood shocks, plot slope, and soil erosion. The fixed effects analysis revealed that household education spending and banana sales value significantly reduce vulnerability. In contrast, higher productivity, rising average temperatures, and year fixed effects were found to exacerbate vulnerability. Based on these findings, key policy options include enhancing access to education, agricultural extension services, and good markets; as well as promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. Such measures are vital for building resilience and securing the sustainably of banana-dependent livelihoods.

Free Healthcare Scheme and the Health Status of Older Persons: A Cross-sectional Study in Selected Districts in Tanzania

Rygon John Magata — 2025-12-23

Free healthcare schemes have drawn attention to many countries especially when the number of older persons is increasing worldwide. In Tanzania, the establishment of the scheme in 1994 aimed at protecting older persons from medical expenses at public healthcare facilities. Despite the aim, there have been limited studies on the health status of older persons. The study used a cross-sectional survey design involving older persons from Nachingwea and Kilwa districts who were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected by using individual households survey, key informants interview, focus group discussion, and documentary reviews. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study found that, the health status of older persons was poor, as the majority 61% (n = 369) had poor self-rated health (SRH). The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was high among older persons, as the majority 82.66% (n = 369) reported having one or more NCDs, with hypertension being the most prevalent 72.36%. The poor SRH was statistically significant association with the provision of medication (X² = 8.2542, p < 0.005) and diagnosis services (X² = 6.8891, p < 0.005). The findings conclude that the overall health status of older persons who utilized free healthcare was poor due to lack of free medications and diagnosis services. The study recommends for clear policies and guidelines for free healthcare for older persons, continuous health education, and establish free screening for NCDs at community levels.

The Impact of Climate Change on Gender Roles in Semi-arid Agropastoral Communities: The Case of Kondoa District, Tanzania

Agnes Chawene — 2025-12-23

Globally, the effects of climate change disproportionately affect agropastoral communities, with women being categorized as more vulnerable than men. However, information on how climate change affects the gender roles of agropastoral communities is limited in Tanzania. This study aims to assess the effects of climate change on gender roles among agropastoral communities in Kondoa District. The study employed a cross-sectional design. The data was gathered through household surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with key informants. The SPSS (version 25) was employed to analyse quantitative data, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study results showed that men and women were differently affected by climate change. The results also revealed that women were overburdened since they performed a variety of tasks, including walking long distances to collect firewood and water, handling all household chores, and milking and caring for young and sick livestock. Grazing was the primary activity that men handled, who also had to travel long distances to look for pastures and search for jobs away from home. Based on the results, gender roles in agropastoral communities are impacted by climate change in different ways. Therefore, the relevant organs addressing climate-related issues in local communities should consider gender-specific needs and vulnerabilities to improve mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Conservation Agriculture and Household Food Security among Smallholders of Semiarid Areas of Kondoa, Tanzania

Salma Khatibu — 2025-12-23

The rapid global population growth, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is expected to significantly increase the demand for food by 2050 while agricultural productivity is inadequate. Conservation agriculture (CA) approaches have been recognised as possible remedy. This study was done semi-arid parts of Kondoa district, Tanzania, examined the effects of CA on households’ food security. Data were collected from 360 farmers through household surveys, employing both principal component analysis (PCA) and a multinomial endogenous treatment effects model to assess the impact of CA. The study found that CA practices significantly improve Household Dietary Diversity Scores per Adult Equivalent Unit (HDDS/AEU) and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) scores. Factors positively influencing CA package adoption include farm size, household size, social group membership, and access to extension services. The study highlights the synergistic effects of combining multiple CA practices, which collectively have a greater impact on food security than individual practices. The findings underscore the importance of promoting CA practices as a strategy to enhance food security in semi-arid regions. Policymakers and agricultural extension services should focus on providing support and resources to farmers, including training, access to credit, and knowledge-sharing platforms.