Old age social security in Tanzania: a case study of Kibaha Rural District in coast region

This study analysed the status of the existing social security mechanisms with regard to older people in Kibaha District. The study involved a total of 84 respondents, comprising older people, respondents below 60 years and leaders at the different administrative levels. Data for this study were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observations and documentary reviews. The study revealed the state of older people in Kibaha District to be poor as most of them had no income, a fact that made them unable to access basic needs like food and health services. Older people in the district obtained their basic needs through farming, charcoal making, and assistance from children and through daily wage labour. Further, the study noted that the social services offered to older people were not sufficient. This was linked to the absence of actors who were committed to helping older people in the district. Lastly, the study gave recommendations to the government through the Department of Social Welfare (DSW), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) helping older people and Village Governments on measures that could be taken to improve older people's welfare.