Characterizing Street Vendors in the Urban Settings of Tanzania: Towards Sustainable Solutions to Vendors’ Challenges

Abstract

Despite the growth and expansion of street vending business along with its economic support to the poor urban dwellers, much facts regarding characteristics and general operations of each group is not known. Thus, this study intended to characterize street vendors in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania, to unveil their characteristics, challenges and needs of each specific category. The study employed a mixed methods approach with a sample of 100 street vendors sampled conveniently. Findings indicate that, street vending business involves individuals of diverse characteristics in terms of gender, education, economic status, marital status, cultural practices among others. It was further revealed that, the operations of street vendors are different and the difference emanate from the nature of what one vends. Lack of training, lack of legal status, lack of recognition by different financial institutions are some of the general challenges however, each group had its pressing challenges. The study concludes that it is important to understand different characteristics of street vendors across the country so that measures taken to help them are relevant to their operations. Findings imply that, when dealing with street vendors, one should look at them differently because they possess different characteristics. Efforts to resolve their challenges thus, should be category specific.

Does Awareness Matter for the Improved Community Health Fund? Evidence from Street Vendors in Dodoma City, Tanzania

“…Thus, there is a lack of evidence about the improved CHF and the enhancement of health service delivery from the perspective of street vendors in Tanzania. The street vendors in Tanzania are among the groups from the informal sector who are fundamental in spearheading the economic base of the country (Kirumirah & Munishi, 2021;Rumanyika, et al, 2021). Knowledge about the awareness from the perspective of the street vendors is important for speeding up the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, target 3.8: universal health coverage which includes; financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all (Kagaigai, Anaeli, Mori & Grepperud, 2021).…”

“…Street vending in Tanzania is one of the informal sectors that contribute to employment opportunities for the low socio-economic groups and the economy of the country (Rumanyika, et al, 2021). Studies in both Tanzania and outside show that street vendors work in harsh conditions of scorch sun and carry heavy loads of goods to sell from one street to another (Kirumirah & Munishi, 2021;Beccles, 2014). The harsh working conditions expose the street vendors to health complications including skin cancer, gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal deformity and respiratory tract infections (Meher & Ghatole, 2020).…”