Authors: Bahati Deusetus Mfungo (Local Government Training Institute, Tanzania) and Victor George, PhD (The University of Dodoma, Tanzania)
Abstract: This study sought to establish the trend of intergenerational support amid current social and economic changes in the Coast region, Tanzania. The study was specifically conducted in Kibaha Town Council (TC) and Mkuranga District Council (DC). The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A total of 394 respondents composed of older people aged 60 years and above out of the 15,919 older people obtained in Kibaha TC and Mkuranga DC were selected to participate in this study. Data was collected through a questionnaire, interview schedule and FGD. The findings revealed that despite social and economic changes which affect the relationship between parents and adult children, financial support was largely provided to the majority of older people. Indeed the study has noted that despite the reception of support from their adult children, there was a lack of filial obligation among adult children. In addition, though the majority of older people were receiving support, older women, illiterate and those living with their adult children were more likely to demand and receive support than others. As a result of poor economies among adult children, the support received by older people, especially financial assistance was largely inadequate and untimely. It is therefore recommended that the government and the community need to raise awareness among the young people on the importance of helping older parents as part of the strategies to enhance informal protection mechanisms. To reduce a huge burden on adult children, the government needs to re-think and put in place a non-contributory universal pension for all older people. Similarly, the government needs to put a high priority on older women since they are the ones who are most in need of support. To ensure that the support provided is adequate and reliable, the government needs to create more employment opportunities for adult children.