Problems facing wives of migrant labourers in Tanzania during the economic reform period: 1986 to 2002: a case study of Moshi District, Kilimanjaro region

This dissertation examines and analyses the problems forcing wives of migrant labourers during the economic reform period 1985-2002. The overall objective of the research was to examine the position and condition of wives of migrant husbands who are left behind by husbands who migrate to urban areas. The interest was to investigate problems, constraints and challenges at individual and community level. The study was guided by 5 research questions. It examined coping strategies of these women gender issues that affected these women and also views of these women as to how they solved their problems. The data on which the dissertation is based was obtained from qualitative sources using secondary and primary materials. An analysis of data reveals that just before migration, wives usually made arrangements with their husbands concerning care of the homes, families and properties while the husbands were away. However the study has shown once husband migrates these women face a lot of problems at personal and family level. Therefore in order to face these problems women have established coping strategies that have enabled them cope with their problems. The study established that there were gender issues that emerged from the migration of women to urban areas. These issues included property ownership where the study showed that the men are the main owners of property. The dissertation makes several policy recommendations for addressing the plight of the wives of the migrant husbands including reducing rural urban migration of husbands.