The Poverty Demography Trap in Third World Countries: Empirical Evidence from Tanzania

Abstract

This article aims to empirically verify the existence of a poverty-demography trap by analyzing survey data from two regions in northern Tanzania. First, the macro and microeconomic issues on the relation between GDP and population growth are summarized. Poverty and demographic variables in Africa and in Tanzania are also highlighted. The number of Children Everborne (CEB) and household size in the study area indicate a high rate of population growth. Also, the number on non-nuclear household members was found to be about 23%, indicating the impact of population pressure on household resources. The stated demographic variables were classified with selected poverty indicators. The latter include under- and malnutrition, monetary expenditure, access to land, access to clean water, access to sanitary facilities as well as access to energy. Survey results showed a moderate form of under-nutrition and acute malnutrition as being associated with CEB and household size. Large size households tend to spend less on food compared to smaller sized households. The mean weekly expenditure on food among households with six members is a meagre five dollars. As much as 50% of farming households do not own land. Access to clean water, modern toilet facilities, and electricity were found to be very low, especially among large sized households. Besides, as much as fifty percent of households depend on wood for home energy. Even though there was some variation by a rural-urban divide, by migration status, and by type of employment, the overall results show that the study area is within the demography-poverty trap.