Abstract

The population of beggars on streets and public spaces is growing exponentially in many urban areas of Tanzania However the problem of street begging is becoming acute and one of the development challenge in urban areas of central Tanzania This study examined the implications of demographic dimensions on the incidence of street begging in urban areas of central Tanzania with Dodoma and Singida Municipalities as case studies A cross-sectional survey was employed involving 130 street beggars 60 focus group members and 30 key informants Structured questionnaires were administered to street beggars who were found on streets and various public spaces using convenience sampling technique Moreover group discussions key informant interview and observations were used to collect data relevant for the study The findings revealed that high incidence of street begging on Friday Saturday Sunday and public holidays The findings show that begging is more pronounced among natives or indigenous physical disabled male single widowed and Illiterates The study recommends that deliberate efforts to improve the socio-economic security of the families of street beggars and street beggars themselves through empowerment programmes and to embark on public enlightenment on the negative consequences of begging on various dimensions of development