Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Livelihoods and Social Support Mechanisms in Selected Regions of Tanzania: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has contributed to massive disturbances in people’s economic, social, and cultural affairs. Such experiences were brought about by the pandemic itself and the intervention measures put in place to contain the transmission of the disease. This study assessed the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on social and economic dimensions in selected regions of Tanzania.
Methods: The study was conducted in Unguja, Pemba and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, employing a qualitative design. Thirty four interviews were conducted with key informants at the national, regional and district levels, comprising influential people, leaders, and healthcare workers. A total of 14 focus group discussions with community members and health care workers were conducted. All data were thematically analysed.
Results: Study participants revealed the main impact of COVID-19 to be on businesses and trade, with loss of wage earnings due to a reduction in touristic activities and flow from abroad of essential goods for trade. This, in turn, was reported to affect people’s purchasing power to fend for themselves, causing food insecurity at the household level. Trading activities of essential goods such as sugar and cooking oil were affected due to the reduction of their importation, which in turn caused their rental prices to rise. Restrictions imposed on gatherings created an atmosphere of fear that harmed traditional forms of support in times of need.
Conclusion: The findings from this study demonstrates how COVID-19 mitigation strategies significantly disrupted the social and economic fabric of the communities studied. We recommend that future pandemic preparedness plans should prioritize the implementation of comprehensive support programs for at-risk households and enact price controls on essential goods to protect the most vulnerable from economic hardship.