The VACIS-Whole School Approach addresses violence in and around schools. Photo: ICS
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga: In a groundbreaking study addressing child maltreatment in Tanzania, a collaborative effort led by Investing in Children and Our Societies (ICS) and Agrics has unveiled significant insights into the intersection of parenting practices and agribusiness interventions.
The Malezi na Kilimo Bora, loosely translated as "Good Parenting and Farming," Skilful Parenting and Agribusiness Child Abuse Prevention Study (SPACAPS) was conducted as a cluster randomized controlled trial. It aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated parenting and agribusiness programs in reducing child maltreatment and enhancing the psychosocial and economic well-being of families in rural areas of Tanzania.
Child maltreatment is a pressing concern globally, with far-reaching implications for the physical and mental health of affected children and adults. According to a national Violence Against Children survey in Tanzania, more than 70% of youth aged 13 to 24 reported experiencing physical violence before reaching adulthood, with parents and relatives often identified as the perpetrators. The survey highlighted a concerning norm around corporal punishment, further underscoring the urgency of addressing child abuse within the community.
Recognizing the potential of parenting programs to mitigate the risk of maltreatment, the study was designed to explore the effectiveness of various intervention models. Prior research has shown that parenting programs can significantly reduce child maltreatment and improve child well-being, not only in high-income countries but also in low- and middle-income regions.
However, the unique challenges faced by impoverished communities necessitate additional support to help parents overcome economic stressors that may exacerbate parenting challenges and increase the likelihood of abuse.
The SPACAPS study addressed three main research questions: the effectiveness of combined parenting and agribusiness interventions versus controls, the feasibility of delivering the integrated model regarding participant engagement and implementation fidelity, and the perceptions of parents and facilitators regarding the program's impact and acceptability.
The intervention was structured around skillful parenting, which included a series of group sessions covering topics such as family relations, roles, and responsibilities, self-esteem, values and discipline, and communication, as well as agribusiness components focusing on seed access, sustainable farming, and market access.
Conducted across eight villages in the Shinyanga Rural district, the study involved 248 adult caregivers and 176 children, with a substantial emphasis on engaging male caregivers. Villages were randomly allocated to one of four groups: Skilful Parenting, Agribusiness, a combination of both, or a one-year waitlist control group.
Quantitative assessments were conducted at various points throughout the study, measuring primary outcomes such as child maltreatment and parenting practices, alongside secondary economic and early childhood development outcomes.
The findings revealed promising results. Participants in the combined parenting and agribusiness group reported significant reductions in child maltreatment, physical abuse, and support for corporal punishment.
Specifically, the intervention led to a moderate and statistically significant effect size for reduced child maltreatment (effect size [ES] = -0.54), physical abuse (ES = -0.52), and endorsement of corporal punishment (ES = -0.41). Notably, the parenting-only group also experienced significant decreases in child maltreatment, emotional abuse, and child behavioral difficulties. However, the agribusiness-only intervention yielded mixed results, with reports of increased physical child abuse and decreased positive parenting behaviors among participants.
Qualitative feedback from parents highlighted the perceived positive changes resulting from the intervention. Parents reported improvements in family dynamics, including reduced marital conflict and enhanced communication with their children.
Empowering young women through economic skills is vital for advancing gender equality and fostering inclusive growth. Photo: ICS
Although physical and verbal punishment remained prevalent, parents indicated a shift towards communication-based discipline methods. The agribusiness component was credited with enhancing household income and food security, which contributed to improved family relationships and nutrition.
Despite these positive outcomes, the study faced notable challenges. Misconceptions about the program during recruitment, language barriers for Kisukuma-speaking families, and timing conflicts with the farming season posed significant obstacles to full participation. Also, the mixed-gender group delivery model created difficulties in facilitation, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to engage families effectively.
The implications of this study are far-reaching, contributing valuable insights into the role of integrated interventions in reducing violence against children in low-resource settings. The findings suggest that while parenting interventions can significantly diminish the frequency of harsh parenting and child maltreatment, the implementation of economic strengthening programs alone may inadvertently increase risks to children if not coupled with effective parenting strategies. This underscores the critical importance of a holistic approach that addresses both economic and psychosocial aspects of family life.
Moreover, the study advocates for universal parenting programs that encompass the entire developmental spectrum of children, from birth to age 18, suggesting a need for additional modules targeting early childhood development to enhance overall effectiveness.
In a broader context, the SPACAPS study represents a significant step forward in understanding how community-based interventions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of families in low- and middle-income countries.
The collaborative effort between ICS, Agrics, and academic institutions like the University of Oxford and the University of Glasgow demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary partnerships in addressing complex social issues. Funded by the UBS Optimus Foundation, this research not only highlights the potential for positive change within communities but also lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at further reducing child maltreatment and enhancing family well-being.
As the findings of this study circulate among policymakers and practitioners, they offer a hopeful narrative about the potential for informed, culturally sensitive interventions to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Tanzania and beyond. The path forward involves continuous learning and adaptation to ensure that interventions remain responsive to the needs of communities, ultimately fostering environments where children can thrive free from violence and neglect.