Social security policy in Tanzania: a review of benefits, challenges and effectiveness
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Date
2024-11-29
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences
Abstract
Social security systems provide financial support during unemployment, illness, disability, and old
age, evolving from informal, community-based support to structured, state-regulated schemes. A
review was utilized in methodology covering publications from 2013 to 2023 aimed at identifying
current social security schemes, challenges, and policy effectiveness and is guided by Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Different search engines and
databases including JSTOR, Google Scholar, and the Social Science Research Network (SSRN).
The search involves the use of key search strings such as social security, social policy, health insurance, social protection, policy formulation, and implementation. A total of 114 publications were
obtained, and due to selection criteria, a total of 25 relevant articles remained and were included in
the study. The findings reveal that Tanzania's social security system comprises various schemes
like the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF)
which offer diverse benefits. However, challenges such as limited coverage, particularly in the
informal sector, governance issues, and financial sustainability hinder their effectiveness. Despite
these challenges, social security policies have positively impacted society in different ways such as
poverty alleviation and healthcare access. Recommendations include expanding coverage,
enhancing governance, increasing public awareness, leveraging technology, strengthening
institutional capacity, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering international partnerships. The
study highlights the need for comprehensive reforms in Tanzania’s social security system to
enhance coverage, governance, and sustainability, thereby ensuring greater social protection for all
citizens particularly those in the informal sector, rural and remote areas.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Social security, social policy, health insurance, social protection, policy formulation and implementation
Citation
Nyamwero, Nyamsabhi M., and Michael Kadigi. 2024. “Social Security Policy in Tanzania: A Review of Benefits, Challenges and Effectiveness”. Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences 22 (12):170-77. https://doi.org/10.9734/arjass/2024/v22i12606.