University of Dar es Salaam Research Repository
The Research Repository of University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is the online/digital collection of research and publications from University of Dar es Salaam. The Research Repository UDSM collects preserves and makes available publications and conference papers, journals, books and other outputs created by UDSM researchers. Participation in UDSM Research Repository helps to ensure that publications are more visible and highly cited.
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Recent Submissions
Tobacco Use and Associated Factors Among Men in Tanzania: Further Analysis of the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey Data
(SAGE, 2024) Linus Rweyemamu Paul; Christopher Hariri Mbotwa
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health among Individuals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Sociology, 2022-06-30) Shagembe, Magolanga; Kinanda, Jonas; Senga, Mathew; Ndaluka, Thomas
This study aimed at examining the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Specifically, this study was guided by the assumption that the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted on individuals’ mental health in Tanzania in various ways. The study used a Social Cognitive Theory to illuminate insights generated from the empirical findings from the field. Using a survey questionnaire, the study collected data from a sample of 258 respondents. The findings have shown that COVID-19 affected
individuals differently, with fewer symptoms of substance use disorders, depression, and schizophrenia experienced by the respondents interviewed. Overall, there were high symptoms of obsession and bipolar disorder. In conclusion, people’s cognitive perception influenced their view of severity of COVID-19 and consequently predisposed their behaviour. Given the changing nature of the virus globally, this study recommends for a country wide survey to determine the trend and magnitude of mental disorders in the country.
. Faith in the Times of Covid-19: Integrating Religion in the Fight against Covid-19 in Tanzania.
(Folklore, 2021-01) Ndaluka, Thomas; Shagembe, Magolanga; Kinanda, Jonas; Tarmo, Vendeline
When and where a crisis such as a pandemic arises, people turn to religion in pursuit/search of comfort, justifications, and explanations. This article describes the role of religion in Tanzania in the times of COVID-19. The data collected through a questionnaire from 258 participants asserts that COVID-19 increased the intensity level of religiosity in Tanzania. This was seen in peoples’ participation in religious activities, i.e., religious gatherings, frequent prayers, and other religious practices. This article has established that the process of de-secularization was strong, and religion became a provider of hope, unity, sol ace, and socialization. Moreover, COVID-19 has also facilitated the convergence of different religions and thus ecumenism and pluralism of faiths have been strengthened in the country.
Is Mimetic Desire a root cause of religious violence in Tanzania? An analysis of Girardian – Mimetic Desire Theory
(Tanzanian Journal of Sociology, 2020-06-30) Ndaluka, Thomas
Mimetic desire theory is widely available in the Western debates and has informed thinking and arguments in the disciplines of literature, sociology, anthropology, religion, theology, and political science in the Western Universities. Unfortunately, there are rare or limited debates on the application of the mimetic desire theory in Africa in general and Tanzania in particular. This article, therefore, attempts to [re]introduce the theory founded by René Girard – the Mimetic desire theory focusing on the causes of religious violence in Tanzania. The article uses information gathered from two case studies i.e. from Dar es Salaam and Geita Regions to argue that indeed religious violence in the country is the result of mimesis. The article argues that, Christians have imitated the act of slaughtering animals by Muslims, the resultant of which was violence between Muslims and Christians in the country. The article also adds that religion, however, was not the sole cause of violence in the country. Other factors such as economic marginalisation and power relations were at the core. Moreover, the masses actively and consciously chose the victims (scapegoats) for sacrificial purposes. The paper concludes that society must empower all citizens, regardless of their beliefs, to access the desired objects (scarce resources) in order to maintain peaceful coexistence. The article recommends more debate and studies on the analysis of the Girardian mimetic desire theory.