ANALYSIS OF POPULATION DYNAMICS IN TANZANIA

Looking back, in the year of 1960, Tanzania had a population of 10.1 million people. Now the population of Tanzania is estimated over 51 million people, Tanzania is one of the fastest growing nations in the world. In 1967 Tanzania had a population of 12.3 million. As of last year the population had nearly quadrupled to 44.9 million citizens. With a 2.9 percent population growth rate, Tanzania is expanding exponentially. It is projected that in 2035 Tanzania will have a population of nearly 100 million people. As mentioned, despite being one of sub-Saharan Africa’s more progressive and prosperous countries, Tanzania remains a low-income country. The government of Tanzania simply does not have the capacity nor can it afford to support 100 million citizens. Resources for supporting such population growth in terms of health, education, housing, jobs, food, water, and security do not match the growth Tanzania is facing. In certain areas, the resources aren't even enough for the current population. 

Decrease or growth of population comes from the interplay births, deaths and migration and Birth and death rates are the most important determinants of population growth; in some countries, net migration is also important in this regard.

Births in Tanzania

Tanzania has one of the highest birth rates in the world and more than 44% of the population is under the age of 15. The total fertility rate is 5.01 children born per woman, which is the 17th highest of any country. Contributing to Tanzania’s rapid population growth is its high total fertility rate (TFR). As of 2011, 5.4 children are born per woman of childbearing age, according to the World Bank. This rate is astounding. However, one in four women cannot access the family planning services that they need; this unmet need for contraception is a major impact on Tanzania’s TFR. There are also high rates of teenage pregnancy, with 23 percent of females ages 15 to 19 who have had children or are currently pregnant, early marriage which also fuels this high fertility rate. 

Deaths in Tanzania

Between 1992 and 1996, about 88 of every 1,000 newborns died before their first birthday, and 137 of every 1,000 died before age 5. The 2010 Demographic and Health Survey found the average infant mortality rate had dropped to 51 per 1,000 and the under 5 mortality rate to 81 in the five years preceding the survey.

However, only 50 percent of Tanzanian mothers have the services of a skilled attendant during childbirth. While this is a slight increase from 46 percent in the 2004-05, it is not enough progress to significantly improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality. Skilled medical care during childbirth reduces the risk of infection and other complications that threaten the health of both mother and child.

There is considerable variation in who uses skilled childbirth attendants. Mothers who are younger, have more education, and who live in urban areas are much more likely to have received medical care from a skilled attendant at childbirth. The Demographic and Health Survey found that mothers with at least a secondary education were twice more likely to have skilled childbirth attendants than women with no education. While the most recent estimates from the World Health Organization show some improvement in maternal mortality in Tanzania.

Migration in Tanzania

Tanzanian migration commonly takes place internally especially from rural to urban migration. A common factor is lack of job opportunities that are provided in rural areas. Due to this it is often hard for many to find jobs. Another factor for migration in Tanzania is fewer services and poor transport links that are located in rural areas.  Many are attracted to the urban life simply because there better job opportunities and this grabs attention of people in rural areas so as to access better and more advanced services.