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- Title
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on livelihoods and social support mechanisms in Pemba, Unguja and Ilala, Tanzania: a qualitative study.
- Authors
Seif, Mohamed; Mangesho, Peter E.; Seif, Mohammed; Shayo, Elizabeth H.; Bakari, Mtumwa; Mboera, Leonard E. G.; Urassa, Mark; Masemo, Ame; Nassor, Nahya; Mmbaga, Blandina T.; Ngadaya, Esther; Tarimo, Clotilda S.; O'sullivan, Natasha; Russo, Giuliano; Mccoy, David
- Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has contributed to massive disturbances on people's economic, social, and cultural aspects. Such experiences were brought by the pandemic itself, but also by the policy measures put in place to contain the transmission of the disease. Objective: To assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on social and economic lives in Tanzania. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Mjini Magharibi, Chake and Ilala districts in the United Republic of Tanzania. The study employed a qualitative design combining focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and semi-structured interviews with community members, leaders, and government officials. Data were analysed using thematic analysis approach. Results: The main impact of COVID-19 was on businesses and trade, with loss of wage earnings due to a reduction in tourism activities and reduction of essential goods for trade flow from abroad. This, in turn, affected people's purchasing power to fend for themselves, causing food insecurity at the household level. Trade and trading were affected due to the rising prices of essential goods. Restrictions imposed on gatherings created an atmosphere of fear that affected social life and harmed traditional forms of support in times of need. They included participation in religious gatherings, caring for the old and sick, traditional, and religious support during bereavement and burial of suspected COVID-19 deaths. The presentation also discusses how some community members adapted and persevered during the pandemic. Conclusions: The findings from this study have highlighted the impacts COVID-19 pandemic on social and economic life among Tanzanians as a result of implementation of its control measures. In the future, we recommend support programs to vulnerable households such as food or financial support during outbreaks. The control of essential goods' prices to shield poor households from falling further into poverty should also be considered.
- Subjects
TANZANIA; ZANZIBAR; COVID-19 pandemic; COVID-19; SOCIAL support; INFECTIOUS disease transmission; COMMUNITIES
- Publication
Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2022, Vol 23, p78
- ISSN
1821-6404
- Publication type
Article