Vulnerability of Poverty between Male and Female Headed Household in Tanzania

Abstract

The study analyzes how the male and female headship of households affects poverty vulnerability in Tanzania. The study uses a sample for the 2017–18 HBS covered the population residing in private households in Tanzania Mainland. A representative probability sample of 9,552 households was selected. Probit regression with instrument variables for the endogenous variable (education) is used for estimation. The results imply that, in general, female-headed households are less likely to face extreme poverty than their male counterparts. The study also reveals that extreme poverty is less likely with the female head when divorced or widowed. Finally, the results imply that extreme poverty varies across different regional zones in the country. Therefore, female in Tanzania can shield their households from extreme poverty.