‘Superstitious Beliefs’ and Human Security in Tabora Region of Tanzania
| dc.contributor.author | Benjamin Lucas Kingamkono | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mariah Ngutu | |
| dc.contributor.author | Lilian Macharia | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-06-16T06:23:04Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-06-16T06:23:04Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The aim of this study was to determine how superstitious beliefs influenced people's perceptions of security and their general health status. Its main objective was to investigate how supernatural beliefs impacted the advancement of human security in the Tabora Region. Social Learning Theory and Welsh Security Theory were used to explore how cultural beliefs shaped personal and community security patterns. The study adopted an explanatory sequential design to assess the effects of superstitious beliefs on human security in the region. A total of 204 participants were selected through a combination of simple random sampling and purposive sampling to ensure demographic representation. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study yielded valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and health practitioners by revealing how superstitious beliefs influenced human security, thus supporting the design of more culturally sensitive and effective interventions. The findings indicated that superstitious beliefs were deeply entrenched in Tabora, with witchcraft being the most dominant. These beliefs negatively affected human security by fostering fear, violence, social exclusion, and limited access to modern healthcare. The study recommended the implementation of educational programs aimed at promoting critical thinking to reduce superstition in rural communities. It also called for stronger legal protections against witchcraft-related violence, improved community policing, and the integration of modern healthcare with traditional medical practices. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Kingamkono, B. L; Ngutu, M & Macharia, L. (2025). ‘Superstitious Beliefs’ and Human Security in Tabora Region of Tanzania. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 9(8), 51 – 66. | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2523-6725 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://repository.ndu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/171 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS) | |
| dc.title | ‘Superstitious Beliefs’ and Human Security in Tabora Region of Tanzania | |
| dc.type | Article |