African Journals Online
Journal of Social Development in Africa
Volume 17 No 2 2002
ABSTRACTS
Social security systems in Tanzania
a.s.t.mchomvu1, felician s.k.tungaraza2 and sam maghimbi3
Phase I
Abstract
The paper starts by examining the concept of social security
in Tanzania, showing that there are three key issues in social
security which have not been adequately addressed by existing
social security schemes and need immediate attention. The paper
then examines the nature and forms of social security in Tanzania
in a historical perspective. It shows that non-conventional
social security instruments have failed to promote equitable
economic growth and have been heavily biased in favour of the
well-off at the expense of the poor. The effectiveness of
traditional and informal social security systems has been
impaired by changes that have taken place since the colonial
period. Formal social security schemes are riddled with problems.
The development of formal social security has been gradual and
the introduction of structural adjustment programmes has led to
the decline of formal security schemes. In terms of coverage,
formal social security schemes cover only 6% of the population
and focus on only a few risks.
Phase II: Co-operatives and Social Protection
Abstract
In the 1950s and 1960s Tanzania had the third largest
co-operative movement in the world. These co-operatives provided
economic and social protection to members so that poor peasants
could sell their crops even in years of bad world market prices.
The services provided by co-operatives, like education and
trusteeship for peasants who took out loans, collapsed when the
government abolished co-operatives in 1976. They were
re-introduced in 1982 but, due to their abolition, they had lost
capital, personnel and members. The current co-operatives are
much weaker than the pre-1976 ones and cannot provide the same
kind of protection they once did. Co-operatives have still a
great potential for social and economic protection but much
change in the government policy on co-operatives is needed.
Phase III: Mutual Aid
Abstract
The paper investigates the role of mutual aid in the provision
of social protection. Methodological triangulation involving
survey interviews, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews,
documentary reviews and participant observations were used
to collect data. Findings show that mutual aid groups of
different types have existed in different epochs during periods
of peace, prosperity and even during calamities. Some mutual aid
groups are organized on gender lines. These differences are also
observed at the level of age groups, educational attainment,
marital status and religious affiliation. Mutual aid groups in
rural areas cover almost all kinds of contingencies while those
in urban areas cover specified risks. Although mutual aid
groups provide short-term protection against social and economic
risks, their capacity for protecting members against long-term
risks is impaired. The paper concludes by making suggestions for
improving mutual aid groups so that they may provide adequate
protection against all risks as well as for removing the
inequities inherent in the system.
Social security systems in Zambia
lawrence mukuka1, webby kalikiti2 and dann k.
musenge3
Phase I
Abstract
This survey of social secruity provision in Zambia starts with
a sketch of the historical and economic background since the late
nineteenth century to the present, showing how traditional social
security arrangements were destroyed and the people impoverished by a series of governments, starting with the
colonial State and continuing through to the late 1990s. It
describes current and recent arrangements under the following
headings: both State-provided and private formal social security
and non-formal social security schemes. Under the latter heading
are considered the traditional security provided by the extended
family and semi-formal schemes such as reciprocal urban networks,
the church, chilimba and market associations. The latter two are
singled out for detailed study and assessment in terms of their
viability and potential for strengthening, in Phase II.
Phase II: Chilimba and Market Associations
Abstract
Phase II of the study was concerned with identifying two
particular non-formal social security schemes. We selected for
analysis the chilimba and market associations because they
raised practical policy-related issues, seemed to address
priorities, covered priority groups, (the poor and most
vulnerable in urban and some parts of rural areas) and also
addressed immediate and future needs, especially market
associations. These are the non-formal social security schemes
that have the most potential for strengthening by a policy regime
that recognizes each individual's need to have some form of
social security, identifies non-formal security schemes and their
members' needs and then offers training in basic skills of
leadership and management, business and entrepreneurship and
expanding employment opportunities so that more people can
earn enough to pay for formal social security.
Social Security in Zimbabwe
Jotham Dhemba, P. Gumbo and J. Nyamusara
Phase I
Abstract
This study of social security in Zimbabwe aimed to identify
existing formal and non-formal social security systems and assess
their viability and their potential for strengthening. Two
non-formal social security schemes were selected for in-depth
analysis in Phase II: these were the chief's granary (Zunde
raMambo) and burial societies. Most people are covered by
non-formal arrangements and the family and community still play a
critical role in social protection even though poverty has
impacted negatively on their ability to do this
effectively. Churches are another source of social security.
Semi-formal arrangements include burial societies, savings and
credit clubs. Their viability is compromised by high levels of
poverty in all areas but they could be strengthened through
employment creation and the funding of specific community
income-generation projects.
Phase II: Zunde raMambo and Burial Societies
Abstract
In Phase II of this study the Zimbabwean team selected the
Zunde raMambo and burial societies for an in-depth study. Four
provinces were selected and key informants were interviewed from
senior officials to members of these organizations at the
grassroots. Zunde raMambo, which provide for the contingency of
famine and chronic poverty, was useful in alleviating the plight
of rural people but the scheme was not being implemented in
all communities because of problems such as lack of fertile land,
inputs and poor community mobilization. Communities need more
land, seed and fertilizers and community members should
be encouraged to participate in the Zunde. Burial societies were
quite common in urban areas although not in rural areas. Their
effectiveness is compromised by the low monthly contributions at
at time when the cost of funerals has risen. Most of these
societies operate without constitutions, resulting in suspicions
of mismanagement or misappropriation of funds. The study
recommends that burial societies develop constitutions to guide
their operations. They should also increase their contributions
in order to get maximum benefits and engage in income-generating
projects to enhance the viability of their clubs. The
non-governmental sector could be very useful in building the
capacity of burial society committee members to discharge their
duties effectively.
Social security systems in Uganda
deborah kasente1, narathius asingwire2, firimooni
banugire3
and swizen kyomuhendo4
Abstract
As a result of its recent disturbed history, Uganda has the
most undeveloped formal social security systems and the least
documented non-formal social security systems of the
countries participating in this study. Through the
use of qualitative research methods, it was observed that
communities are providing the most useful response to the rising
risks and vulnerabilities posed by poverty, unemployment,
emergencies and inevitable life-cycle factors while the State has
not provided social security at the community level. The
following social security systems exist in Uganda: formal social
security schemes targeting the employed, community groups that
serve only group members, kinship-based solidarity groups that
serve the extended family and village residents' mutual
assistance groups, which are compulsory for all adults in the
villages where they operate. These groups are currently the most
widespread and effective of all, though they are plagued with
poor management and a low capital base. The village-wide mutual
assistance groups offer the potential for reaching most community
members but operate in only one of the four districts visited.
District Development Programmes offer a feasible
entry point for beginning to address the lack of policy-led
social security at community level.
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