Understanding reticence to occupy free, novel-design homes: A qualitative study in Mtwara, Southeast Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: The population of Africa set to reach 2 billion by 2050. There is therefore great demand for housing across the continent. Research on modified novel designs for housing is a priority to ensure that these homes are not sites of infection for diseases transmission such as malaria. One trial to assess the protection afforded by novel design houses is underway in Mtwara Region, southeastern Tanzania. After constructing 110 of such homes across 60 villages, project staff encountered a certain reticence of the target population to occupy the homes and were faced with accusations of having nefarious intentions. This article explores these accusations, their impacts on home occupancy and lessons for future housing studies.

Methods: This qualitative study drew on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with ten occupants of the intervention homes, six community leaders and a further 24 community members. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English for qualitative content analysis.

Results: In communities around the Star Homes, during construction and handover, project staff were widely associated with 'Freemasons', a term used to practices, secrecy, and other conspiracy theories in rural Tanzania. These connections were attributed to other community members and explained in terms of knowledge deficit or envy, with others hoping to be allocated the home. The stories were embedded in assumptions of reciprocity and suspicions about study motives, linked to limited experience of research. The relationship between the accusations of freemasonry and reticence to occupy the houses was not straightforward, with project staff or relatives playing a role in decisions. The stakes were high, because the recipients of Star Homes were the poorest families in targeted communities.

Conclusion: The results indicate the need for long-term and proactive community engagement, which focuses on building relationships and providing information through recognizable voices and formats. Given the stakes at play in housing interventions, research teams should be prepared for the social upheaval the provision of free new housing can cause.

Fig 1. Critical elements of the Star Home adapted from [9].

To reduce malaria, enteric and respiratory tract infections and to improve indoor climate and safety the star home includes the following critical structural components: 1) orientated to provide optimal shading throughout the day to keep the house cooler at night. (→ indoor climate). 2) lightweight and durable roof with partially closed eaves to reduce the entry of malaria vectors. (→ malaria, indoor climate). 3) facade and openings screened to reduce insect entry while assuring airflow. One panel is openable to facilitate egress in the event of a fire (→ malaria, diarrhoea diseases, indoor climate, safety). 4) use of lightweight, low thermal mass materials to reduce heat transmission and lower indoor temperatures at night to facilitate bed net use (→ malaria, indoor climate). 5) raised concrete ground floor which can be easily cleaned increases hygiene and reduces the risk of enteric and soil-transmitted infections. (→ diarrhoea diseases). 6) screened indoor cooking area with means to remove smoke to reduce indoor pollution which doubles as a screened seating area during the evening. (→ respiratory infections, malaria). 7) An improved cooking stove with chimney to reduce smoke inhalation indoors. (→ respiratory infections). 8) a protected lockable storage area to reduce rodent infestations and provide a feeling of security. (→ safety, diarrhoea diseases). 9) sleeping areas with bed nets raised to the first floor improving airflow, comfort while reducing mosquito density. Rooms used predominantly during the day are located on the ground floor therefore the bedrooms act as a buffer zone, reducing daytime temperature (→ malaria, indoor climate). 10) a water harvesting system, including a first flush mechanism, which allows the collection of rainwater from the roof, filtering, and covered storage. (→ diarrhoea diseases). 11) A ventilated outdoor fly-proof pit latrine with self-closing pan. (→ diarrhoea diseases). 12) solar power providing electric light at night and USB charging for mobile devices. (→ safety, health access).