Income from Public Work Programmes and Household Economic Stability

Evidence from Mpwapwa District, Tanzania

Authors

  • Juma Mhina Tengeru Institute of Community Development
  • Rehema Magesa Tengeru Institute of Community Development
  • Baraka Msuya Mpwapwa District Council

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56741/IISTR.jscd.001405


Keywords:

Household Economic Stability, Income Diversification, Poverty Reduction, Public Work Programmes, Tanzania

Abstract

Public Work Programmes (PWPs) are widely recognized as important instruments for poverty reduction and social protection, particularly in developing countries. This study examined the contribution of income from PWPs to household economic stability in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania. The research adopted a descriptive design, using both primary and secondary data sources. A sample of 300 household heads was selected through simple random sampling, while structured questionnaires and document reviews were employed to collect data. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the relationship between PWP participation and household economic outcomes. Regression results showed a strong association between participation in PWPs and household economic stability, with income diversification, employment creation, and local market contributions emerging as key determinants. Despite these benefits, income adequacy remained relatively low, suggesting that programme earnings were insufficient to fully meet household needs. This highlights the limitations of PWPs in providing long-term security without complementary interventions. The findings provide empirical evidence to guide policymakers in refining PWPs to better support vulnerable households while contributing to Tanzania’s development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Author Biographies

Juma Mhina, Tengeru Institute of Community Development

is a Senior Lecturer and Acting Deputy Rector Academics, Research and Consultancy at the Tengeru Institute of Community Development in Arusha, Tanzania. He holds a PhD in Agricultural and Rural Innovation from Sokoine University of Agriculture, a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from the Open University of Tanzania, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Extension from Sokoine University of Agriculture. With more than 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, Dr. Mhina has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on agricultural commercialization, rural development, gender, small-scale farming, market access, and the use of social media in agricultural information dissemination. He has played a vital role in curriculum design and review for training institutions, shaping programs in community development, gender, and engineering. (email: almasijuma@yahoo.co.uk).

Rehema Magesa, Tengeru Institute of Community Development

is s a Professor of Gender Studies at the Tengeru Institute of Community Development in Arusha, Tanzania, with over two decades of academic, research, and professional experience. She holds a PhD in Gender Studies from the Open University of Tanzania, an Advanced Master’s in Development Evaluation and Management from Antwerp University in Belgium, an MSc in Agriculture (Animal Science Production), and a BSc in Agriculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture. Prof. Magesa has an extensive research and consultancy portfolio covering gender, women’s empowerment, human rights, rural livelihoods, and development, with numerous peer-reviewed publications on issues such as human trafficking, intimate partner violence, child marriage, and financial inclusion. She has provided consultancy and training for diverse organizations, including policy development, gender-responsive budgeting, and mainstreaming gender in public institutions. (email: likainda@yahoo.com).

Baraka Msuya, Mpwapwa District Council

is a Tanzanian male born on 22 January 1979 in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro, and currently residing in Mpwapwa District Council, Dodoma Region. He is married with two children and works as a Principal Community Development Officer, having served in public service since 2003 in various departments including Planning, Health and AIDS Committee, Water User Registrar Office, TASAF Coordination Unit, and Health Promotion Services. He holds a Master’s Degree in Community Development (NTA Level 9) from Tengeru Institute of Community Development, an Advanced Diploma and Certificate in Community Development, and has additional training in motor vehicle mechanics and auto-electricity. He is experienced in participatory community development, social protection, governance, health promotion, and livelihood programs, with strong facilitation, communication, and leadership skills in both Kiswahili and English.(email: msuya.baraka@gmail.com).

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Published

2026-01-29

How to Cite

Mhina, J., Magesa, R., & Msuya, B. (2026). Income from Public Work Programmes and Household Economic Stability: Evidence from Mpwapwa District, Tanzania. Journal of Social and Community Development, 3(01), 13–23. https://doi.org/10.56741/IISTR.jscd.001405

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 01 (2026): Journal of Social and Community Development

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Juma Mhina, Rehema Magesa, Baraka Msuya

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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