City pollution: the case study of vendors and beggars with disabilities in Harare

Abstract

Urban areas in Zimbabwe such as Harare are facing pollution challenges mainly in the form of littering. One of the groups which is responsible for littering of streets in Zimbabwe are vendors and beggars with disabilities. The economic hardship that are being experienced by Zimbabwe has resulted in persons with disabilities swarming the streets of Harare in an effort to earn a living through selling a number of wares. The street space has also become a source of conflict as different groups compete for its use. The aim of the study was to find the perception of vendors and beggars with disabilities on the littering challenges that was being experienced by the city of Harare. Another objective was to find out if the local authority consults them or raise pollution awareness activities with them. The study adopted a qualitative research design so as to arrive at an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under study. Focus group discussions were used to gather data. The findings showed little understanding on issues of pollution by vendors and beggars with disabilities. It further showed that the city authorities do not consult vendors and beggars with disability on the city pollution issues. The research recommended that the city authorities should involve beggars and vendors with disabilities on pollution initiatives and activities.

Keywords: beggars, vendors, pollution, disabilities, Harare