GEITA, July 11 -- GRANDPARENTS are increasingly taking on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren as some biological parents step away from their duties, creating growing social, economic and emotional challenges for elderly caregivers.

While grandparents have traditionally played an important role in preserving family values, culture and providing guidance, child welfare experts warn that many are now being pushed into becoming full-time parents when mothers and fathers fail to provide adequate care.

For 67-year-old widow Ms Asteria Busengwa of Geita, raising grandchildren has become her daily reality. She currently cares for four grandchildren after her daughters separated from their spouses and later left in search of emplo...