Assessment of Situational Analysis of Social Protection for Older People in Tanzania: A Case of Mlandizi Ward from Kibaha District Council in Pwani Region.

Kijo, Bertha (2025) Assessment of Situational Analysis of Social Protection for Older People in Tanzania: A Case of Mlandizi Ward from Kibaha District Council in Pwani Region. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

In Tanzania, the aging population is increasing, presenting new challenges for social protection mechanisms designed to ensure the well-being of older adults. Despite national efforts to develop policies and programs aimed at supporting the elderly, significant gaps remain in their implementation, especially at the local level. Many older people in rural areas like Mlandizi Ward, face challenges in accessing adequate social protection due to limited resources, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate awareness of available services. This study seeks to fill this gap by providing a detailed assessment of the social protection mechanisms in place for older people in Mlandizi Ward. A Descriptive research design was adopted. This study used a sample size of 100 subjects, namely; 55 older people, 22 Community members, 13 Local government leaders, and 10 Health providers. Data were collected using questionnaires in-depth interviews and focused group discussion (FGD). SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data while content analysis used to analyze qualitative data. The findings revealed numerous challenges in provision of social protection for older people, namely; Limited Awareness of the Benefits that Social Protection can Bring; Lack of Government and Donors Support; Early retirement; Lack of effective political pressure from those who are not protected; Restricted access to social services. This study concluded that social protection to older people of Mlandizi ward is inadequate. Many older people are still experiencing vulnerabilities. This study recommends Promoting Awareness of Social Protection and Social Protection Mechanisms among young people and older people; Community members are recommended to be responsible to older people. Key words; Social Protection, Older People.

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