“Women waste a lot of time every day carrying water over long distances. If water was easier to get, they would have more time to spend on other responsibilities.”
– Paul Colbert, Water Consultant
Catholic Releif Services
Population –
The total population of the Shinyanga region is 1.7 million people. Of this, there are 857,109 men and 906,851 women. 93% of the total population lives in the rural area.
Forty-seven percent of the population is under 15 years of age, with the remaining 49% ranges between 15 and 64. The average life expectancy is 49 years.
The population growth rate is 4% per year. The mortality rate for children under five is 250/1000, and the live birth rate is 150/1000.
Tribes/Villages –
The predominant ethnic tribe is the “Wasukuma,” who traditionally are known as subsistence farmers and cattle herders. There are six Shinyanga rural and urban districts: Bariadi, Meatu, Kahama, Maswa, .
Daily Routines –
The percapita income is US $67 a year.
Daily responsibilities for men consist of looking for livestock and development activities. Daily responsiblities for women include working in the field, food processing, cooking for spouse and children, taking care of children, fetching water, and collecting firewood. Women frequently spend four to five hours each day (walking over ten kilometers) to find wood.
