This questionnaire interview is part of a broader
research that aims at scrutinizing the paradox of the
subsistence ethics (moral economy) and the actual
subsistence, focusing on the IMR (Infant Mortality
Rate).
The author has been undergoing research on/in
“poor” regions in Tanzania such as Lindi Region since
20011
and Dodoma Region since 2011.2
Based on
field researches, some focusing on women and female
headed households (FHH),3
researches prevailed
subsistence ethics (moral economy) of mutual
assistance in “poor” regions and among the deprived
population.4
Such moral economy works in times of
food shortage and communal work during rituals,
funerals and weddings.5
However, infant mortality rates
in such regions indicate that it does not necessarily
work against sickness and death. According to the
2002 census, Lindi Region (129/1000), Mtwara Region
(129), Dodoma Region (114) and North Zanzibar (103)
have the highest Infant Mortality Rates.6
Such subsistence ethics have been prevalent
especially in “poor” regions, but how does it influence
actual subsistence against child mortality and what
are its limits? While previous researches concentrate
on direct causes of IMR, this research aims at looking
into how the indirect causes such as social structure
influence IMR. This paper will give a preliminary
report on a questionnaire interview which has been
undertaken in Lindi Region as part of this research.
Additional questions in regard to money in order to
understand the role of money in women’s livelihoods
is also asked to contribute to a research on localizing
cash economy.