Handicrafting is both an economic activity and a cultural practice in African communities. In Tanzania, informal economic activities are vital for survival in old age, and older adults' livelihoods are shaped by various opportunities and challenges. Despite extensive research on workforce participation in Western gerontology, empirical evidence on older artisans' experiences in rural settings is limited. This study explored how older artisans in rural Masasi District sustain livelihoods amid changing socioeconomic conditions through handicraft activities. Using a qualitative descriptive design, 20 older artisans participated in in-depth interviews, and data were analysed thematically through the Productive Ageing Theory lens. Findings revealed that physical exhaustion from demanding handicraft work limits productivity, while lack of proper markets and limited digital literacy restrict online market opportunities, increasing reliance on local customers. Limited capital restricts business expansion and productivity, while seasonal raw material scarcity disrupts income stability. Weak formal and informal support systems increase vulnerability. However, continued work in old age and the handicrafts' role in preserving cultural knowledge remain important strengths. This study emphasises the need for inclusive social work interventions, including improved financial access, market linkages, digital inclusion, and community-based support systems to enhance livelihood sustainability and preserve cultural heritage among older artisans.
Quarrying serves as both a lifeline and a challenge for rural communities in Tanzania, where livelihoods depend on extracting stone amidst environmental and economic hardships. This study examines the risks, challenges and socioeconomic impacts of quarrying on 300 households across Mzumbe, Mlali and Melela villages using a quantitative research approach. Through surveys and statistical analyses—including descriptive statistics, K-means clustering and principal component analysis—the study explores participation patterns, sociodemographic influences, environmental awareness and perceived risks. Results show that males (64.6%) are more involved in quarrying than females (70.6%), with significant links to marital status, age and employment status. Quarrying households earn higher incomes but also face financial burdens and higher dependency ratios, indicating that despite increased earnings, their economic pressures remain high due to larger household sizes and greater financial responsibilities. Major challenges include health risks (70%), environmental degradation (65%) and income instability (62%), with 39% of households uncertain about their future in quarrying. While environmental awareness, particularly regarding deforestation, is high, barriers such as lack of capital and equipment hinder participation, especially among poorer households. Despite these risks, economic necessity drives many to continue quarrying as a primary source of income. To mitigate its negative impacts, the study recommends formalizing the sector to improve safety regulations, enhancing education to expand livelihood opportunities, providing financial support to address capital constraints and promoting sustainable practices through environmental education. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the well-being, economic stability and long-term sustainability of rural households engaged in quarrying in Tanzania.
The embedment of Entrepreneurship Education (EE) in Malaysian higher education system exemplified the government’s aspiration to strive for national entrepreneurship agenda. However, it is claimed that tertiary education students particularly who undertake the entrepreneurship program found it difficult to materialize good business idea. In respective to that, the implementation of Website-Brainstorming Hybrid (WBH) as an innovative approach to rectify such situation. Therefore, this study aims to reflect on such implementation in teaching and learning from the viewpoint of the researchers-observers. A mixed-method approach using various tools including interview protocols, content analysis and observation sheet were utilized. It serves as the methodological triangulation and the data is then analysed using thematic analysis. The reflections revealed that WBH innovative approach implementation serves some positive significance towards developing the ability to produce good business ideas among tertiary education students. It is deemed as an eye-opener while bridging both the communication and knowledge gap between students and practitioners in better realization of entrepreneurial idea. Practically, this study sheds the light on how an innovative approach (i.e; WBH approach) could help to strengthen the foundation of a strong entrepreneurial idea and while from the policy maker perspective, an effective yet inclusive approach towards improving tertiary students’ soft skills in teaching and learning should be focused on. This could move the nation a step closer towards realising the agenda of holistic students’ development.
Background Postnatal care (PNC) is a vital component of maternal and neonatal healthcare, significantly contributing to the reduction of preventable morbidity and mortality. Despite global and national policy efforts, the utilisation of PNC services remains suboptimal in Tanzania. This study investigates the socio-economic, cultural, and structural determinants associated with PNC service uptake among Tanzanian women, using Health Belief model as well as social action theory as theoretical framework. Methods A quantitative research design was employed, utilising secondary data from the 2015–2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHS-MIS). The sample comprised 6,994 women aged 15–49 who had given birth in the five years preceding the survey. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using STATA software, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results The findings revealed that only 39.9% of women accessed PNC services within two days post-delivery. Significant associations were found between PNC utilisation and higher levels of education, wealth status, decision-making autonomy, exposure to maternal health information, and geographic accessibility (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that women with secondary or higher education and those from wealthier households were significantly more likely to utilise PNC services. Additionally, exposure to media and health decision-making autonomy were strong predictors of service uptake. Conversely, rural residence and poor accessibility to healthcare facilities were major barriers. Conclusions The study concludes that PNC service utilisation in Tanzania is hindered by intertwined socio-economic, cultural, and structural barriers. Interventions aimed at improving maternal health outcomes should focus on enhancing educational opportunities, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding health insurance coverage, and promoting behavioural change through community engagement and media campaigns. These findings offer crucial insights for policymakers and healthcare stakeholders committed to improving maternal and child health in Tanzania.
