The 1973 National Demographic Survey of Tanzania: a new approach to national demographic surveys in Africa
Henin, R.A.
Jimlar Mutane 1(2): 9-49
1976
PMID: 12264831 Document Number: 306678
This paper sets out in detail the 2 basic objectives of the 1973 National Demographic Survey of Tanzania. Modelled on the successful experience of Sudan, the survey was designed to examine the influence that the community in which a respondent is living has on the respondent's demographic characteristics or reproductive behavior. It was also designed to throw light on the impact of the rapid economic and social change to which the African population is being subjected on the future fertility and mortality trends. The paper gives a concise description of the sample frame and sample size, the content of the questionnaire, tabulation program and the demographic significance of variables selected. The description of the survey includes the various stages in the organization of the project, time table, recruitment of staff and a number of related surveys which were planned at the same time. Maps of the regional clusters are included. Appendices tabulate the results of the survey, and are divided into the following sections: basic age, sex and socioeconomic categories; marital status; fertility and child survival; fertility by parity; fertility and type of marriage; age at 1st marriage; fertility trends; other mortality tabulations.