Eviction-Related Threats and Coping Mechanisms among Women Street Food Vendors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate eviction-related threats and coping mechanisms among women street food vendors in Ubungo Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was used and a questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 60 women. According to the findings, eviction-related threats included a decrease in the number of customers, the lack of specific location for food vending activities, an increase in the cost of doing business and the congestion of street food vendors in one location. Women coped with such evictions by maintaining the price but reducing the share of food, measuring food according to the client’s financial ability, practicing good customer service, borrowing money from financial institutions and striving to expand customers’ base. Other reported strategies include preparing enough food for the day and explaining to customers why food prices have risen. In harmony with the Multi-layered social resilience framework, respondents managed to demonstrate reactive capacities in dealing with such eviction-related threats. In order to cope with the threats more proactively, awareness campaigns are needed to educate women street food vendors on the need of conducting their enterprises in authorized locations in order to avoid further evictions. Similarly, women street vendors should be empowered to seek assistance from both local and national government authorities at various levels, participate in decision-making processes and create institutions that can defend and foster their well-being in the face of future crises.