1.

0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter involves the background of the study, statement of the study, general objective,
and specific objective, research questions significance of the study as well as scope of the
study.
1.1 Background of the Study
Single parenthood is a phenomenon that has always been in existence and is as old as
mankind. According to Dowd Nancy in (1997), a single parent is a parent, not living with
spouse or partner, who has most of the day-to-day responsibilities in raising the child or
children. The socialization of children is very important for the continuity of any culture.
The family is said to be the most important agent of socialization, especially for children.
Children in most communities are raised in a highly structured and disciplined manner,
parents helped to instill and inculcate strong basic moral, spiritual, social, physical and
cognitive principles in their children (Santrock, 2002). African system of raising children in
extended family pattern has changed a great deal, with the advent of industrialization and
globalization. Family lives have been disrupted with the rapid social change that comes with
the globalization (Olaleye, Y.L et al, 2010). Many of the old customs and traditions which
were taught and practiced for several years are becoming obsolete today. The modern culture
has changed and out grown values and benefits that were thought to be the core believes and
values of our society. What was unacceptable in the olden days is now becoming fast and
rapidly rising trend. In Tanzania, the existence of single parenthood was unknown, and where
they existed, they were ignored as exceptional cases. However presently, they are fast
growing family patterns both inside and outside Tanzania, and have become even more
common than the so-called “nuclear family”, consisting of a mother or father and the
children (TenibiajeM.O. et al 2011). Factors such as divorce, separation, death of a parent,
unintended pregnancy or birth to unmarried couples, and single parent adoption are the
major causes of single parenthood in our society today (Amato, 2000).In katavi, among the
people, parental roles are culturally determined and distributed. The maternal roles are that of
child rearing, home training and playing of complementary roles, while the paternal roles
are that of economic responsibilities and discipline of children. The child is morally,
mentally upright and emotionally balanced when the caring responsibilities are carried out by
both parents. (Tenibiaje M.O, et al, 2011).
When children are brought up by a single parent, it makes life more demanding and
challenging on the parent. If this phase of the child’s life is not well managed, it might lead to
maladjustment in life. When the subject of single parenthood is been discussed, it would

1
almost certainly involve women since women are usually considered the primary care givers.
Apart from being the primary care giver, she becomes the bread winner and head of the
family. The demographics of single parenting show a general increase worldwide in children
living in single parent homes (Jayson, Sharon 13 May, 2009). Single parenting has become
an accepted norm in the United States and is an accepted trend found in many other countries.
Debates concerning issues bothering on single parent households, and more have risen.
Recently, the numbers of single parent families have increased drastically and it is gaining a
global dimension. Hamburg (2004) opined that marital separation commonly involves major
emotional distress for child relationship. About twice as many children from one parent
families compare to two parent families drop out of school.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Parenthood is challenging enough even under the best of conditions. So, being a single
parent in our society is tasking to say the least. This is because, with one parent, the
challenges are multifaceted. Single parenting in our society has been the focus of much
interest and research in recent years. (Chiemelie Ezeobi 2011). According to Funmilayo
Oriyomi (2011), a communicator, “The effect of single parenting are far reaching because it
does not only affect the parents, it also affects the children. In fact, the effects are more
devastating on the part of the children because single parenthood leaves them with deep
scars. Being a single parent is a very tough and challenging task. Many of the problems that
single parents have, are similar to those of two parents family, but these problems seems
more difficult to bear or manage when the home is being tutored by only one person. For
example, all children feel hostile towards their parents as they grow-up and try to be
independent. But in a situation, where the anger and rebellion are all directed towards one
person, it may seem worse, if there is only one to bear it, not for the two to share. There are
some problems that are exceptional, which are only faced by the single parent, which make it
somewhat difficult to raise children. These problems include bitterness towards the absent
spouse, loneliness, poverty and insecurity about raising children alone without a help. For
these and some other reasons, single parents sometimes cling to their children or over indulge
them. Members may unrealistically expect that the family can function like a two-parent
family and may feel that something is wrong when it cannot. Children living with
continuously married parents are not faced with much stressful experiences as those living
with single parents. Although various schools define stress in different ways, but stress is
generally seen as when external demands exceed peoples coping resources. This results in
feelings of emotional distress, a reduced capacity to function in school, work and family

2
roles, and an increase in physiological indicators of arousal. Children are increasingly
socialized by influencers outside the immediate family. As a result of poor parental care and
guidance caused by divorce, separation or death of a partner, children are exposed to
potentially damaging situations (Olaleye, Y.L and Oladeji David, April 2010). When a
mother is out of a home, leaving the children under thecharity and mercy of step-mother,
these children are prone to many problems such as poor feeding, negligence, not inspired to
study or learn diseases and sicknesses, emotional disturbance (fear, insecurity) as such, they
are not likely to perform up to expectation in school. Step parents do not show much love and
affection to their step children. Thus, these children suffer from mental retardation,
personality disorders and are miserable. They show behavioral response like lying, stealing,
and playing truant in school. There is increase in domestic work and redistribution of
household chores, which leave the children with little or no time for their studies (Adelani
Tijani and Ogunbanwo B, 2008).
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the study are stated in two folds; a general objective and a
specific objective.
1.3.1 General objective of the study
The general objective of the study is to understand the factors causing single
parenting specifically at mpanda municipal-misunkumilo ward.
1.3.2 Specific objective of the study
i. To identify the causes factors of single parenting at mpanda
municipal-misunkumilo ward
ii. To identify the challenge facing single parenting at mpanda municipal-
misunkumilo ward.
iii. To identify effects of single parenting.
1.4 Research Questions of the study
Regarding research objectives, the following research questions are developed
so as to guide the-investigation
i. What are the factors of single parenting at mpanda municipal-
misunkumilo ward?
ii. What is the challenge facing single parenting’s at mpanda municipal-
misunkumilo ward?
iii. What are effects of single parenting at mpanda municipal-misunkumilo
ward?

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1.5 significance of the study
The study intends to provide a detailed description of factors causing single-parenting at
misunkumilo ward. More specifically, the findings are expected to contribute knowledge to
the existing literature about factor causing single-parenting at misunkumilo ward. This
contribution will add knowledge of dealing with challenges facing single parenting at
misunkumilo ward. Such information can lead to further research on single-parenting. This
can shed light to policy makers on how best to deal with the challenges by formulating proper
policies which to address these challenges in order to decrease single parenting. The study, it
is also expected to generate useful information for, social workers, counselors, psychologists
and parents with regard on how to provide supportive environment and care for those
children at misunkumilo ward and the whole society at large.
1.6 scope of the study
The research will be carried out at the mpanda municipal-misunkumilo ward. The invitation
of the study is investigating into the factor causing single parenting, among the inclusive is
all parents and children of which some are inclusive setting and others are integrated. It
covers an area of approximately 20 square Kilometers. The zone is the one that support
various economic activities like livestock keeping, agricultural activities, fishing, mining, as
well as industrial furthermore there is social services like schools, health center.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This chapter tried to review various existing literature for the aim of showing insight on the
issue under the study. Kothari (2004), states that literature review illustrates what previous
researchers have discovered. Then it involves definition of the key terms, theoretical review,
empirical review, research gap, and conceptual frame work.
2.1 Definition of key terms or concepts
2.1.1Single Parenthood
A single parent, sometimes called a solo-parent is a parent that is not living with a spouse or
partner, who has most of the day-to-day responsibilities in raising the child or children. A
single parent is usually considered the primary caregiver. The primary caregiver is the parent
the child have residency with majority of the time (Dowd Nancy E, (1997). If the parents are
separated or divorced, children live with their custodial parent and have visitation or
secondary residence with their non-custodial parent. (Benokraitis, Nijole, 2012, 2011, 2008).
2.2 Theoretical literature review
This study will be guided by several theory Functionalist approach theory is used in this
study as this study is focusing to assess how the social system is working to enable every
person’s access social services in the society with specific reference to single parenting which
affect more women than men in Tanzania.
In functionalist approach theory it considers each society as a social system composed of
many interrelated elements like family, government, religion, culture, ethnic groups and
education institutions and what’s happen if one element may affect other element directly or
indirectly. Each society is seen as resulting from agreement (consensus about what is
important (values) and how we should behave (norms) in a particular Situation roles (Kirby
et al (1997). Any system in a society composes of different functional units which must work
together for development and maintenance of the society.
Functionalist try to summarize the theory by looking at human body as composed of different
parts which have to work together intellectually and physically. In this sense the research for
exploring social and economic factors contributing to Gender Based Violence in the society
will be designed. Most efforts of reducing single parenting incidences have been forgotten to
consider women and religion leaders especially in the rural areas and their contributions to
national development.
According to social perspective single parenting is viewed as the function of environment and
societal attitudes towards people of deferent sex. In functionalist theory, we view an

5
individual as a functional or productive force only when he or she has been supported by
other unit and institutions surrounding him or her. Therefore single parenting can only
reduced if all elements of the society are working properly without affecting each other.
As functionalist theory explains above, therefore women should be provided with supportive
structures, culture and conducive environments in their societies to ensure their inclusion in
the social and economic activities of the society. This means there should be no negative
attitudes by husbands, men and other people towards women and their roles in the society,
because negative attitudes promote stigmatization and exclusion which can make women
more refrain from participating in social and economic activities of their society and families.
2.2.1 The factors for single parenthood at mpanda municipal- misunkumilo ward some
factors are responsible for determining the status of single parenthood. These factors are
divorce of couples with children, desertion, and death of a partner, birth to unmarried woman
or unintended pregnancy and single parent adoption. Divorce
Divorce
Is one of the main events that lead to single parenting in advanced countries (Amato 2000).
Divorce was generally rare historically (although this depends by culture and era) and
divorce especially became very difficult to obtain after the fall of the Roman
Empire, in Medieval Europe, due to strong involvement of ecclesiastical courts in family life
(although annulment and other forms of separation were more common (Kent’s
commentaries on American law).Child custody in reference to divorce refers to which parent
is allowed to make important decisions about the children involved. Physical custody refers
to who the child lives with. After a certain “crisis period” most children resume normal
development, however, their future relationships are often affected as they lack a model
upon which to base a healthy long term relationship. Nonetheless, as adult children of
divorcees cope better withchange. (Cherlin, Andrew, 2010).
Separation
The crucial event of a marital break down is the act of separation. This usually occurs when
the relationship between both parents had gone cold. Divorce is a legal consequence that
follows the emotional fact of separation, though not all separation leads to divorce. Although
separation generally precedes divorce, some couples are able to sort out their
misunderstanding and misgivings and are able to put the separation period behind them
and move on with their lives. (Olaleye .Y.L., and Oladeji David 2010). Strong et al, (2002)
opined that as many as one couple out of every six marriages are likely to have separated
for at least two days. The changes that take place during separation are crucial because at

6
this point a person’s emotions are raw and most profound. Men and women react differently
during this period. When separation takes place in the family, the other parent does not know
what to do or expect, there are no divorce ceremonies or rituals to mark this major turning
upon the children.
Desertion
Desertion is one of the ways to single parenthood in our society. It is a situation whereby
either the father or mother walks away from the marriage, leaving the other party without
help or support. Desertion is also known as the poor man’s divorce. It is called the poor
man’s divorce because one party leaves the marriage without going through legal process of
divorce. Kendall (2003). The process of socialization depends on both parents playing
complementary roles in raising such children, which will definitely impact positively on the
children during school years. On the other hand, children from single parent homes are more
likely to suffer deprivations and denials of some rights and opportunities that will have
negative psycho-social impact on them in school years (Azuka- Obieke Uchenna, 2013).
Children of deserted parents find it more difficult to understand the reason why they have to
do without the other parent. Santrock (2002), asserts that these children see themselves as
unloved and unwanted by the deserted parents as if it is their fault for the abscond parent
desertion.
Death of a Parent
Single parent families were historically as a result of parental death. In fact, death of a
parent was a major cause of single parenting. (Amato .P. and Keith .B. 2000). He further
stated that about one-fourth of children born around the turn of the nineteenth century
experienced death of a parent before they reached age fifteen. Unintended Pregnancy Some
out of wedlock births are intended, but many are unintentional. Where out of wedlock births
are accepted by society, they may result in single parenting. A partner may also leave as he or
she may want to shirk responsibility of bringing up the child. Where they are not accepted,
they sometimes result in forced marriage; however, such marriages fail more often than
others. (“Single parent Households- How does it affect the children?” (Retrieved 23 April,
2014).
Single Parent Adoption
Single birth adoption has existed since the last 19th century. Men were rarely considered as
adoptive parents and were considered far less desired. Often, children adopted by a single
parent were raised in pairs rather than alone and adoptions by lesbians and gay men were
arranged as single parent adoptions. During the mid 19th century, many states welfare

7
officials made it difficult if not impossible for single persons to adopt, as agencies searched
for “normal” families with married men and women. In 1965 the Los Angeles Bureau of
adoption sought single African Americans orphans for whom married families could not be
found. In 1968, the child welfare league of America stated that married couples were
preferred, but there were “exceptional circumstances” where single parent adoptions were
permissible (Single Parent Adoption Retrieved 23 April, 2014).
2.2.2 The challenge facing single parenting at mpanda municipal in misunkumilo ward.
Money management is probably the most tangible challenge they face; because now the
household only has one income versus a dual, monthly stipend. Alterations in spending and
lifestyle may need to be change when their budget is in a deficit (Giulia Macario, 2009)
Single mother faced emotional problem in raising their children. Emotions can run high:
anger, sadness, frustration, fear, shock, guilt, regret, relief, hope, excitement. Your children
might be on this rollercoaster ride of emotions too (Giulia Macario, 2009)
Feelings of grief and loss are part of the journey too; Grief for the dreams you once shared
and the life you expected to lead. Loss of someone in your shared home who is interested in
your children’s everyday moments and small achievements (Giulia Macario, 2009) Stigma &
discrimination are an additional burden for single mothers; Children often are asked about
where they live or their family situation. If your children are expected to ‘bring along dad’ at
special community days, or make something special for dad(Giulia Macario, 2009) In some
case, there is no simple answer to the complicated issue of what you say about dad. In
general, single mothers have a harder time making ends meet; Mothers had more difficulty
securing well-paying jobs and more difficulty getting further education or job training. Single
mothers typically did not receive enough child support to maintain the standard of living the
family was accustomed to before the divorce (McLanahan & Sandefur, 1994).
Because of the financial strain experienced by many single mothers, they tended to be more
anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed with parenting issues (Hilton & Desrochers, 2002;
McLanahan & Sandefur, 1994)
2.2.3 The effects of single parenting at mpanda municipal-misunkumilo ward
Psychological Effect; Empirical evidence has shown that children from intact-homes will be
taken care of and better socialized. This is due to the fact that the process of socialization
depends on both parents playing complementary roles in raising such children; which will
definitely impact positively on the children during school years. On the other hand, children
from single parent homes are more likely to suffer deprivations and denials of some rights
and opportunities that will have negative psycho-social impact on them in school years

8
Azuka-Obieke Uchenna, 2013).
Educational Effect; Parents are primarily responsible for the educational and career
development of their children (Salami and Alawode, 2000). Literatures on academic
performance among children suggest that children’s academic performance improve when
both parents are actively in their education. (Nyarko 2007; Nyarko and Vorgelegt, 2007)
married parents are more likely to involve in their children’s education than single
parents.(Nyarko 2011, and Chowa et al, 2012). As parents engage in the academic activities
of their children, it is most likely to have a positive influence on their academic performance.
However, this does not necessarily suggest that once parents engage in a child’s academic
activities, the child would be academically successful as the child’s own abilities and the
school environment also play critical roles in that respect. In a related way, Donkor (2010)
indicates that parents noted that the poor performance of their children emanates from
their lack of proper supervision of their ward’s homework. Salami and Alawode (2000) in
particular pointed out that both parents have roles to play in the child’s education. The father
is to provide the necessary tools for the educational advancement while the mother is to
supplement the father’s effort in this regard. When the father is absent and the mother is not
privileged enough to cater for all the basic needs as well as supervise the academic
performance of the child, he/she (the child) will be backward or withdrawn. The same thing
occurs when the mother is absent and the father is not privileged enough.
Behavioral Effect; Interest in parenting and behavioral problem in children is widely
acknowledged. Anti- social behavior is a major problem in childhood and beyond. Overall,
prior research has shown that children who have experienced any kind of family change have
poorer behavioral outcomes than children in stable two-biological parent families (A.J
Cherlin, 2005). Children from single parent families tend to have poorer cognitive and
behavioral outcomes than those from intact families (W. Single-Rushton S. McLanahan,
2004).
Economic Effect; Being a single parent and struggling for money often coincide. Economic
hardship has been found to cause emotional distress in parents, which can in turn hamper
parent’s ability to be supportive, sensitive and consistent with their children (E. Dearing, K.
McCartney and B.A Taylor, 2006). Also in a study carried out by Azuka-Obieke, Uchenna,
2013, he noted that single parent homes are more likely to be low-economic homes. These
children would therefore be subject to problems associated with their socio- economic group.
When there is only one parent, the family is often less well off financially and this is the
main reason for so many family problems. The report of the study shows that effect of

9
coming from a low-income family can include things like lower educational level; lower
economic achievement and can result in leaving the child feeling isolated and lonely.
2.3 Empirical Literature Review
A review of literature shows that the single parent children are on rise in both developed and
developing countries. In United State children being raised in two parents’ families has
dropped from 85% in 1968 to 70% in 2003, while the proportion of those living in single-
parent homes has nearly doubled. (Centre for Marriage and Families, 2005). About 85% of
single parent families are headed by a woman and almost half of these households are living
below poverty line. (Martin, Emery, and Peris, 2004). This affects children’s participation in
education due to economic hardship that their families face. Single mothers on average;
spend a total of about nine years raising children without partner being present. (Bianchi, and
Casper, 2000). Marsigilo and Amato (2001) claimed that the absence of a male adult is
detrimental to child’s development, which may explain the disproportionate pathologies
found among the children of single parent households. Further, the authors argue that the
presence of both mother and father contributes to the health development of a child which is
very important in the education of the children hence the absence of an adult male in the
house seems to be a disadvantage for children. Ponzetti (2003) explains that number of single
parent families in 2000 was 22% in Canada, 20% in Australia, 19% in Denmark. The
increased number of single parent families implies the problems in upbringing those children
who are the victim of single parent families. Chiu (2007) argue that in the wealthier countries
like United State of America children from single parent families face challenge of having
lower academic achievement than those in two parent families. These children score lower
because they have fewer intangible resources (such as parent time and cultural
communication) which are important to children. Demo and Acock (1991) on the other hand
advocate that in mother-only families, children tends to experience short- and long-term
economic and psychological disadvantages, higher absentee rates at school, lower levels of
education, and higher dropout rates with boys being more negatively affected than girls, and
more delinquent activities including alcohol and drug addiction. Children in single-mother
homes are also more likely to experience health-related problems as a result of the decline in
their living standard, including the lack of health insurance (Mauldin, 1990). Later, as
children from single-parent families become adult, they are more likely to marry early, have
children early, and divorce. Also Bilblarz and Gotteiner (2000) asserted that in the United
State of America, although some studies showed lower educational attainment of children
from single-father families than children from single mother families but the general

10
consensus is reached that children from single-mother and single-father families do not show
significant differences in educational outcomes. Ferrell, (2009) conducted a quantitative
study on the effect of single parent households versus two parent on academic success,
attendance and suspension in United states of America the result were the relationship
between the number of times a student was absent and the type of households whereby by
absent was order of the day of students from single parent households. Also there were no a
statistical significant difference between GPA scores of students in single parent compared to
two parents. Further the study found that there was no relationship between the number of
times a student was suspended and type of household in which the Students lived in Russia,
single parent family has increased and the life of the victims is becoming a society challenge
due to the fact that those families live in poverty. On the average 60.9% are considered to be
poor and having serious financial problem. On the other hand there is an increase of single
parent families due to the increase of divorce. In the year 2004 there were 703.4 divorce out
of 1178.7 marriages it represent 83.1 %. (Alekseeva, 2005)Borgers, Dronkers and Van Praag,
(1996) found in Netherland there were better educational outcomes of children from single
father families than children from single mother families. This is due to the fact that family
economic status is an important determinant of children’s education hence the economic
status of father only family is better than that of mother only family. Generally single
parented children in developed countries face many challenges in their development as far as
their education is concerned. The challenges and the effects of those challenges are economic
hardship, lack of guidance and counseling, lack of parental care, poor academic performance,
poverty, early marriage, high rate of dropout and absentees, indiscipline in schools and low
level of education. Now let us have a look on developing countries. In developing countries
the challenges that are facing single parented students are not different from those in
developed countries. Also its number is increasing. Literature will cite the following
countries; Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and lastly will focus on studies with bearing
on Tanzania. In Nigeria the number has increased due the increase of single mother,
(including teenagers), death, divorce and separation. Many single mother lived their husband
because of adultery, cruelly, and desertion. (Kibel and Wagtaff, 2006). Study conducted by
Salami and Alawode (1998) in Nigeria about the influence of single parenting on academic
achievement of adolescents in secondary schools the findings showed that single parenting
children has poorer academic achievement, high rate of absentees, lower self-esteem, lower
tolerance which lead them to be indiscipline, these findings corroborates the findings of other
researchers such as Bichley, 1976; and Akinade 1994; and Agbo, 1997.In South Africa,

11
Wilcox, Lippman and Whitney (2009) explain that many children in South Africa are reared
by single parents for example only 36% of children live with both parents, this differ with
Egypt where 91% live with both parent. UNESCO Institute for statistics (2006) conducted a
study in Colombia, Egypt, India, Kenya, Nigeria and Peru. The study involved a sample of
86727 secondary school children and it was about whether living with parents has effect on
education of secondary school students. The result were poor attendance and lower academic
grades for single parent students though single mothers’ children in Sub Sahara succeeded
academically compared to single fathers’ children.
In Tanzania also children are becoming the victims of single parents and encounter the
challenges that are said to face these children. This is due to the fact that family life now a
day in Tanzania has changed much. Family conflict rate have increased, women have surged
into work place as a result family life in Tanzania has become more diverse than it was in
generation ago. These changes in family have affected not only the form of the family life but
also the social, psychological well-being of children and adolescence. (Materu, 2009, and
TAMWA, 2006). Hence currently children and youth are living with single parents as a result
of increased number of divorce, separation death and unmarried women. Furthermore
divorce, separation death and unmarried women have added challenges to single parents
students because the remaining parent is concentrating in looking family needs while
forgetting other roles of the parent such as to be a role model, to monitor, supervise, guide ,
counsel and to make follow up of academic progress of the children.
2.4 Research Gap
As shown in the phrase above (Centre for Marriage and Families, 2005).as well as
(Bilblarzand Gotteiner2000) (Marsigilo and Amato2001).all these researchers did the
research on the matters of single parenting but all of them fail to show the causes of single
parenting in misunkumilo ward, that’s why the researcher come up with this study so as to
analyze the causes of single parenting in mpanda municipal case of misunkumilo ward

12
2.5. Conceptual Frame Work.
Conceptual framework is a scheme of concept (variables) which the researcher
operationalizes in order to achieve the set objectives, (Chiemelie Ezeobi 2011) & (Funmilayo
Oriyomi2011). A variable is a measure characteristic that assumes different values among
subject, (Chiemelie Ezeobi 2011) & (Funmilayo Oriyomi2011) .Independent variables are
variables that a researcher selects in order to know its effect of influence on another variable,
Olaleye and Oladeji (2010). (Kombo & Tromp 2006), states that independent variable also
called explanatory variables is the presumed change in the cause of changes in the dependent
variable; the dependent variable attempts to indicate the total influence arising from the
influence of the independent variable Chiemelie & Funmilayo (2011)

Figure 2.1: Conceptual Frame Work.

Divorce

Separation
Psychological Effect

Single parenting

Death of a Parent

Desertion

Source; Researcher 2023

Dependent Variables
Independent Variable

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 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the methodology for study of the factors that cause single parenting at
mpanda municipal a case at misunkumilo ward. It explains the research design, area of study,
population of the study, sample size, and data collection methods, types of data, primary data,
secondary data, questioner method, interview method, documentary review, and data
processing and analyzing.
3.1 Research design
Research design refers to the overall strategy that one chooses to integrate the different

components of the study in a clear and logical way and ensure that the research problem is

effectively addressed. It constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement, and

analysis of data (William, 2006). Furthermore, research design is the overall plan for

connecting the conceptual research problems to the pertinent (and achievable) empirical

research. In other words, the research design articulates what data is required, what methods

are going to be used to collect and analyze data, and how all of this is going to answer the

research questions. In this study descriptive cross sectional research design will used because

the researcher intends to gather data from different categories of respondents at once and

describe the situation as it will be during the data collection period.

3.2 Research Approach

The study adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach because it intended to gather

opinions, feelings and views of the respondents particularly regarding the subject under study

and no attempt will intended to be made to manipulate the situation (Maxwell, 2013). It

intended to understand and describe the information as gathered from the respondents. The

approach is found appropriate because it enabled the researcher to generate in depth

information about factors causing single parenting.

3.3 Area of the study

This refers to extent in which the studies intend to cover URT (2012)). Area of studies is
interdisciplinary field of research and scholarship pertaining to particular geographical,
national or federal or cultural regions. This study will be conducted at Mpanda municipal-

14
Katavi Region. URT (2012). The study will be conducted at misunkumilo ward in mpanda
municipal. Mpanda is a city in Katavi Region of Tanzania, East Africa with
a postcode number 50100. It is the administrative center of Katavi Region, Mpanda
District and is itself one of the four districts of the region. Also mpanda district it’s the one
where misunkumilo ward is found, shortly misunkumilo ward basing on 2022 census has an
estimate of 400000 people who are involved in various social, economic, as well as political
activities. misunkumilo ward believe to have an incidence of single parenting as estimated
600 family was faced with single parenting and other single parenting related problem. The
reason for choosing this area for study is that suitable to respondent and the researcher hence
read to the accomplishment of the study hand. Therefore, based on these factors the council
and ward selected were potential for the study. It helped the researcher to understand the
factors that causing single parenting at misunkumilo ward.
3.4 Population of the study
Study population is a group of individuals who have one or common characteristics that are

of interest to the researcher (Best and Khan, 1998). The population for this study will be to

single parenting beneficiaries both active members and non - members of misunkumilo ward.

The reason for including this category in the study population is that they are targeted single

parenting beneficiaries and the first-hand informants expected to have real answers to major

questions of this study. The other targeted populations will be WEO&VEO. This population

group will included because of the experience in working with beneficiaries of the

community. Single parenting children will include because they are beneficiaries; parenting

also formed part of the study population due to the fact that he/she will consider having

adequate information regarding the study.

3.3.1 Sampling Frame

Refer to the total of people in the organization/village/school/ward.
The sample frame of this study will be 45 people in which from them few of them will be
selected
3.3.2 Sample Unit
Refers to the unit of analysis. The study preferred misunkumilo ward as a sample unit of the
study hence the data required will be obtained from them.
3.5 Sample size
Kothari, (2004) defines sample as a specimen or part of the whole drawn to represent the rest.

15
In other words sample refers to a set of participants selected from a larger population for the
purpose of research. Samples are always subsets or small parts of the total number that could
be studied (Kombo and Tromp, 2006). Hence this study will use 40 respondents as sample
size as calculated below
N=N/1+N(e)2Where
N=Total population
E=Marginal Error (5%)(0.05)
N=45/1+45(0.05)2
N=45/1+45(0.0025)
N=45/1+0.1125
N=45/1.1125
N=40.44943820224719
N=40.4=40
Hence the sample size of the study is 40
Items Total Sample Drawn

Parents 5 3

Single parenting student 13 12

WE&VEO 2 1

Single parents 25 24
Total number 45 40

3.6 Data collection methods

Data collection refers to the process of obtaining evidence in a systematic way to ascertain
answers to the research problem (Cohen, Manion and Marrison, 2000). There are several
methods of collecting data, which depend on the nature of the research. This study adopted a
combination of research techniques to generate relevant data. The instruments that were
employed include interview schedules, questionnaire and documentary review.
3.7 Data types and source
3.7.1 Data types
In analyzing the data collected the researcher use quantitative methods. Quantitative analysis
involved computation of descriptive statistics mainly percentages. The use of tables and
percentages in particular helped the readers to note the relationships in quantitative sense
more clearly.

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3.7.2 Sources of Data
Data will be collected from both primary and secondary source of data as detailed below
3.7.1.1 Primary data
Primary data are first-hand information tips and responses collected by the researcher from
their original sources. They are normally collected through various methods such as interview
and questionnaires (Cohen et al., 2000). In this study primary data will collected from the
field as fresh information obtained from interview, and questionnaire. Also the data collected
will based on qualitative and quantitative
3.7.1.2 Secondary data
Secondary data refer to information which has already been collected and compiled for other
purposes. Such sources may consist of encyclopedias, newspapers, books, periodicals and
compiled statistical statements and reports. Secondary data are provided by an individual or
individuals who may not have themselves directly observed the event, object or condition
(Cohen et al., 2000). In this study, such sources includes the students’ school records and
statistics, and files of examination results, staff meeting files ,black book ,class journals and
attendance registers will be obtained from the schools under investigation. The secondary
data were collected through documentary review. Therefore the data collected will be
computed both qualitative and quantitative.
3.7.1 Questionnaire methods
This involve the carefully prepared list of questions where by the respondent observe the
questions carefully and attempt them and return answers to a researcher. (Kothari, 2004).
This method will be most crucial to be applied for this study; it will involve only
subordinates and students. This method of inquiry will intend to generate data on how citizen
of mpanda District- misunkumilo ward feel and perceive the presence of the causes of single
parenting in their District. Questionnaires will be self-administered to the respondents.
Questionnaires will distribute to the respondents and the researcher will give them time to
provide the relevant answers to the questions
3.7.2 Interview method
An interview is a scheduled set of questions administered through verbal communication in
face-to-face relationship between a researcher and the respondents (Kothari, 2004). Interview
is a face-to-face version of questionnaire but there is one thing the interview can do which the
questionnaire cannot, that is to ask the question “why”. The researcher gets opportunity to
probe in depth questions “why” and “how” therefore ambiguity is cleared out.
3.7.3 Documentary review
Milles and Huberman (1996) define documentary analysis as a process of reading various
extracts found in the offices or places dealing with or associated with the issues related to

17
what the researcher is investigating. In this study documentary review will used in
conjunction with interview in order to generate data and supplement the data that cannot be
obtained through interview only.
3.8 Data processing and analysis
Data analysis involves organizing data in ways that allow researchers to see patterns, identify
themes, discover relationships, develop expectations, and make interpretations, mount
critiques or generate theories. (Hatch, 2002 Bogdan & Biklen, (1992) explain data analysis as
a systematic process involving working with data, organizing and breaking them into
manageable units. Also it is a process of synthesizing data, searching for patterns,
discovering what is important as well as what is to be learned and deciding what to tell
others. Data analysis is necessary because it enables the researcher to summarize, categorize
and organize the collected data in such a way that it is possible to adequately answer the
research questions. All qualitative and quantitative data will be analyzed by using SPSS,
STATA as well as excel

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APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Interview Schedule for Single Parent Students

1. Whom do you stay with? Why?
2. Is your parent able to provide all necessary school requirements? If

not what school Requirement do you miss?

3. Have you ever failed to attend school this year? Why? How many times

have you failed to attend school?

4. Have you ever participated in any work so to get some money in order

to earnliving? Do you remember those kinds of work?

5. Do you know any fellow single parent student who dropped out of

school? Whydid he/she Drop?

6. What do you think should be done to help other children from

single parentfamilies

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Appendix 2: Interview Schedule for WEO

1. Do you have single mother who are from in your ward? If yes what is the

number of those single mother? Is the number increasing?

2. Is there any challenge Do students face from single parent families compared

to those from two parent families? What are these challenges?

3. Do school administration and individual teachers assist students from single

parent families to overcome the challenges that they face? If yes how?

4. What is the academic performance of single parent students in your ward?

5. What can be done to ensure that these students’ challenges are solved or

minimize

20
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