The effectiveness of Informal Social Security System in Coastal communities of Tanzania: A Case of Kisiju ward in Mkuranga district council

Abstract

Informal social security system used to protect community members against unanticipated risks such as death, sickness and hunger when people started living together in communities. This study assessed the effectiveness of informal social security system in coastal communities. Specifically, the study focused on identifying predominant risks, describe coping strategies and establish measures towards stipulated risks. The study was conducted in Mkuranga district council. A mixed method design was used, whereby qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data while a checklist guiding tool was used to collect qualitative data. A total of 180 respondents were interviewed. While in-depth interviews were conducted to four (4) key informants. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS computer programme hence frequency table and histograms were developed while qualitative data were manually analysed and themes were developed. Study finding revealed that among the risks were housing with low-quality by 115 (80%) males and 33(89%) females’ respondents and climate change effects by 121(85%) males and 27(73%) females’ respondents. Unemployment was reported as a risk by 125(87%) males and 30(81%) females’ respondents. Other risks were financial insecurity by 139(97%) males and 32(86%) females ‘respondents, and food insecurity by 97(68%) males and 31(84%) females ‘respondents. Coping strategies included diversification of livehood activities and the use of social network. Suitable measures towards stipulated risks include provision of loan to entrepreneurs, provision of entrepreneurship skills and improvement of infrastructure. The study informs policy makers through recommendations which include improvement of infrastructure and provision of entrepreneurship skills. The ministry of labour, youth, employment and persons is responsible for stipulated provisions.