No abstract

The informal sector employs the major part of workers in developing countries. Street trading is a common form of informal work. Despite its huge economic value in developing countries, little research is being done to improve street traders' empowerment and entrepreneurship. Also, development informatics is over-focused on social development and under-focused on economic development. This study takes a design science research (DSR) approach in order to identify barriers for street traders in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, that can be addressed with technology. As a follow-up to our previous qualitative study, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of (N = 285) street traders. The data was analysed using mixed methods. The results show that street traders operate in a challenging environment, and make most of their decisions based on tacit knowledge. Traders are restrained by unreliable business information, weak business strategies, and access to capital. A variety of technology innovations, such as customer-client matchmaking, and record keeping are proposed to directly address the daily challenges of street traders. Future technology projects form exciting possibilities for technology experts, students, and scholars globally. The expected future implications of this project are increased STI capacities, economic growth, and human development.

Abstract. Over 200 million street traders operate in Africa. Our previous research has identified a number of challenges of Tanzanian street traders and related technology innovation opportunities. One identified opportunity is technology to support keeping business records. In this study, an intercultural team of Finnish and Tanzanian technologists, researchers, and Tanzanian street traders was set up to create a bookkeeping application, contextualized for the needs of Tanzanian street traders. A research period, lasting four months, resulted in a successful first version of the application, ready for further DSR projects. In addition, first experiences about what works in co-creation in this cultural context and with this team setup were gained. These results are useful for managing related DSR projects in the future. This study shows the importance of launching similar DSR projects, and the high potential of DSR and co-creation in solving societal and economic challenges in developing countries with technology solutions.

Street vending is ubiquitous, especially in developing countries. Despite its role in pro-poor economies, it has received little attention; much has been focused on its negative impacts like, use of public space, congestion, health and safety risks, tax evasion and the sale of shoddy merchandise. In Tanzania, street traders are usually concerned with confrontation with local authorities, and at the end they lose their products and money. This study is basically concerned with exploring the approaches of street vending business operation and conceptualizes the best mode of operation for successful income poverty reduction. It is carried out by reviewing previous studies relating to SVB and the micro informal business sector in general. The study proposes a model for street vending business operations and its interventions that can lead to an income poverty reduction.