Caregiver Labour-Market Disruptions and Multidimensional Poverty among Households Raising Children with Developmental Disabilities in Tanzania
Keywords:
Child Developmental disability, labour-market disruptions, multidimensional poverty, Household Production TheoryAbstract
This study examines the relationship between caregiver labour-market disruptions and multidimensional poverty among households raising children with developmental disabilities in Tanzania. Specifically, it examines how exit from work, reduced working hours and reduced labour productivity are associated with multidimensional deprivation. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, using survey data collected from 385 caregivers in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Shinyanga regions between January and April 2026. A two-stage econometric approach was adopted, comprising a Probit and bounded Tobit model estimated using 382 observations. The findings indicate that male caregiver status, formal-sector employment, household size and household income are positively associated with access of services, whereas combined physical and intellectual impairments are negatively associated with access. Tobit results reveal that caregiver exit from work is positively and significantly associated with household multidimensional poverty (β = 0.170, p = 0.004). However, reduced working hours and labour productivity exhibit no statistically significant associations. Furthermore, intellectual impairment, particularly when combined with physical impairment, is associated with higher deprivation. Autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome are also associated with higher deprivation relative to cerebral palsy. Male caregiver status is associated with lower deprivation, while larger household size demonstrates a weak negative association. The study recommends disability-responsive social protection, flexible employment arrangements, affordable inclusive services and community-based respite care to protect household welfare and sustain caregivers’ economic participation.
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