Factors Influencing Recidivism in Tanzania A Case of Karanga Prison in Kilimanjaro Region

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing recidivism in Karanga Prison Kilimanjaro Region. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the socio-economic factors influencing recidivism; to examine the training programmes received by offenders that might influence recidivism and examine the influence of prison environment reforms on recidivism. The study adopted a cross-sectional study research design which involved a sample size of 83 respondents. Purposive sampling was employed in obtaining respondents. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and FGD from the inmates and analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings revealed that most of the respondents were youth who did not go beyond primary level education and the common crimes committed by the inmates were robbery, drug trafficking and defilement. Majority of the inmates felt that socio-economic factors were highly influencing recidivism. Furthermore, change of attitude, behaviour and trainings also plays an important role on recidivism. Findings from inmates who had served for a long time and key informant revealed that there have been drastic changes in prison environment since 2015. The study concludes that convicts enrolled for vocational training, faith-based programme were provided a chance to have presentations for Presidential awards in order to make them not to be reconvicted. The environment is favourable for recidivism as most of the aspects had improved which might triggers the ex-offenders to be re-convicted. The study recommends to the prisons department that it should note the level of ex-offender stigmatization, demographic factors; homelessness and rehabilitation programmes are the major factors that influence recidivism by prioritizing the rehabilitation programmes and come up with a very effective programme that can change recidivism, identifying prisoners at higher risk for recidivating and then liaise with the relevant department in order to establish the best policies that can help to reduce the crimes.