Effect of Street-Based Business Activities on Urban Livelihoods among Women in the Informal Sector in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Abstract

Women in urban areas use a variety of informal sector strategies to support their families' livelihoods. Their effect on urban livelihoods strengthens asset and resource development, allowing them to go above basic income generation requirements, thereby increasing their financial resilience and sustainability. Despite the importance of women's informal sector participation, little is known about how those strategies contribute to urban livelihoods. This research aimed to investigate the effect of street-based business activities on urban livelihoods among women in the Informal Sector in Mwanza City, Tanzania. The Sustainable Livelihoods Foundation (SLF) theoretical framework guided this study. The research population comprised women working in street-based business activities in the informal sector in several commercial areas in Mwanza City the study survey sample of 331 respondents, a population of 2,564 women, was chosen by a simple random selection procedure. Questionnaires and interview schedules gathered data; respondents' responses were also incorporated in the data analysis, which combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to produce descriptive and inferential statistics. The study indicated a statistically significant correlation between women's street-based business activities and urban livelihoods. In Mwanza City, women's street-based business activities had a statistically significant positive effect on their urban livelihoods. It also revealed that the sourcing and selling numerous commodities such as foods, fruits, vegetables, used apparel and footwear, and other merchandise and services favorably affected urban lifestyles in the city. Notably, selling food items, fruits, vegetables, second-hand clothing, and footwear emerged as the most significant contributors to women's urban livelihoods. The research recommends that local governments enact laws that support easy access to resources and address the needs of female street vendors. Additionally, since the informal sector plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of many Tanzanian urban residents, it should be protected and encouraged by implementing supportive legislation and facilities.