Hidden Hunger, Pool of Patience

Citizens are the beating heart of any nation. Governments exist to serve them, ensuring that their needs, aspirations, and voices are at the center of decision-making processes. Unfortunately, too often, these voices are absent from the crucial policy debates that shape nations. As a result, critical decisions regarding laws, policies, programs, and budgets frequently fail to reflect the lived experiences, priorities, and opinions of the citizens they are meant to serve.

In response to this persistent issue, Twaweza a civil society organization embarked on an ambitious journey to bridge this gap. For a decade, beginning in 2013, Twaweza has developed and implemented a systematic approach to listen to citizens across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. This effort, known as Sauti za Wananchi Voices of the People aims to bring the voices of ordinary citizens into the spotlight, ensuring that they are heard by policymakers, media, and other stakeholders.

Sauti za Wananchi is built on a straightforward but innovative methodology. It starts with the random selection of a nationally representative panel of at least 2,000 citizens (or 7,500 in Tanzania recently). After conducting a traditional household survey to establish a baseline, Twaweza then maintains regular contact with panel members through phone interviews. These surveys capture citizens’ views on a wide array of topics, from taxation and policing to water supply, governance, and politics.

Recently, Twaweza marked the tenth anniversary of Sauti za Wananchi, having conducted over 74,000 hours of interviews during this period. The insights gathered from these conversations offer a rich tapestry of citizens’ experiences and opinions, providing a unique lens through which to view the social, economic, and political landscape of these three East African countries. To commemorate this milestone, Twaweza is preparing to publish a Sauti za Wananchi @ 10 compendium and launch a website that will showcase the key findings from these conversations. Here, we delve into some of the most striking insights uncovered over the past decade.

Livelihoods and Hidden Hunger: A Persistent Concern

One of the most consistent themes across all three countries Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda is the concern over livelihoods. Throughout the decade of surveys, citizens have consistently identified the high cost of living as one of the most pressing challenges facing both their countries and their families. Over the past three years, this concern has grown even more acute, with the issue of the cost of living emerging as the top priority in the most recent surveys. Unemployment, too, remains a significant worry, often ranking close behind the cost of living as a major concern.

These economic challenges have a direct impact on food security. Despite increased agricultural production and well-stocked food reserves, a significant number of citizens continue to experience food insecurity. This paradox where food is available but not affordable highlights the issue of “hidden hunger.” In fact, when asked directly, approximately one-third of citizens across the three countries reported that they had been forced to go an entire day without food at least once in the past few months.

The persistence of income- and affordability-driven food insecurity is deeply concerning. It raises critical questions about the sustainability of current agricultural practices, the impact of climate change on food production, and the effectiveness of existing food distribution systems. Is this hidden hunger a permanent condition in these countries? Can policymakers devise strategies that will make food affordable and accessible to all, thereby making hunger a thing of the past?

A Pool of Patience: Optimism Amidst Hardship

Despite the challenges they face, citizens in all three countries express a striking sense of optimism about the future. Survey data reveal that citizens are generally more hopeful about the future than the present both in terms of their personal living conditions and the overall state of their countries. For instance, in Kenya, a survey conducted in 2022 found that only seven percent of citizens believed the country was in good economic shape at the time, yet two-thirds of respondents were confident that the country would be better off within the next twelve months.

This optimism represents what Twaweza describes as a “pool of patience.” Citizens who believe that their future prospects are bright are more likely to endure present hardships with resilience. However, this patience is not limitless. If economic difficulties persist and governments fail to address the high cost of living and unemployment, this optimism could wane. The recent GenZ protests in Kenya may be an early indication that this pool of patience is beginning to dry up, particularly among the younger generation.

Cultural Differences and Citizen Participation

The Sauti za Wananchi surveys also reveal intriguing cultural differences between the three countries, particularly in terms of national identity and civic participation. While a large majority of citizens in all three countries express pride in their nationality, there is a notable difference in how they identify themselves. In Kenya, for example, only about a quarter of citizens primarily identify as Kenyan, compared to significantly higher percentages in Uganda and Tanzania.

There are also differences in the culture of citizen participation. Tanzanians are the most likely to have attended a community meeting in the past year, with three-quarters reporting such participation, compared to about half of Kenyans and just 40% of Ugandans. These differences raise important questions about how citizens perceive their ability to influence the decisions that shape their lives and the degree to which they feel empowered to engage in civic activities.

Conclusion: A Decade of Listening and Learning

The insights gathered from a decade of conversations with citizens across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda provide a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of ordinary people. As Twaweza prepares to release the Sauti za Wananchi @ 10 compendium and website, it is clear that there is still much to learn from these conversations. The data and insights collected offer valuable guidance for policymakers, media, and civil society as they work to address the challenges facing these countries and build a brighter future for all citizens. As the regional conversation continues, the hope is that the voices of the people will not only be heard but will also play a central role in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their lives.