Voices of Child Brides and Child Mothers in Tanzania

This report details a participatory ethnographic evaluation research (PEER) project conducted in Tarime district, Mara region, Tanzania from January to June 2009. Tarime is in the lake zone of Tanzania. The dominant tribe is Kurya, although there are other tribes in the area. Agriculture (maize, millet, bananas, coffee and beans), livestock and fishing provide the main sources of livelihood.

The research focused on child brides, child widows, and girls at risk of child marriage. It was conducted as a follow-up to a previous survey into child marriage in Dar es Salaam, Coastal, Mwanza and Mara regions, which had faced time constraints. A more thorough anthropological study was therefore recommended, to ascertain the extent of child marriage and enable researchers and respondents to develop the depth of relationship needed for discussing these sensitive issues.