Exploring Livelihoods of Urban Women Traders in the Context of Socio-Economic And Political Crisis: Evidence From Harare, Zimbabwe

Takunda J Chirau

Exploring Livelihoods of Urban Women Traders in the Context of Socio-Economic And Political Crisis: Evidence From Harare, Zimbabwe

Takunda J Chirau * §

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Rhodes University

Exploring Livelihoods of Urban Women Traders in the Context of Socio-Economic And Political Crisis: Evidence From Harare, Zimbabwe

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Abstract

The Zimbabwean crisis has involved massive downsizing of the economy and high rate of unemployment levels particularly in urban areas. Urban life has become increasingly unbearable for many poor urban households. Consequently, informal economic activities have blossomed and are making significant contributions to household income and livelihoods. The role of women in the informal economy is particularly pronounced. This paper examines the livelihood strategies and sources of income for women traders at Magaba. The empirical findings identified and unpacked diverse livelihood activities and strategies and the resources (or assets) that women deploy in constructing urban livelihoods. Though their livelihood portfolios complement any earnings from formal employment by household members and though they contribute to their household’s sustenance, there are a number of daily challenges which they face in their trading activities and which they seek to counteract through a range of often ingenious coping mechanisms. These findings were projected through a genre of qualitative and quantitative techniques. (Sustainable livelihoods, livelihoods, livelihood strategies, coping mechanisms).

References

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Funding

No external funding was declared for this work.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval

No ethics committee approval was required for this article type.

Data Availability

Not applicable for this article.

How to Cite This Article

Takunda J Chirau. 2014. "Exploring Livelihoods of Urban Women Traders in the Context of Socio-Economic And Political Crisis: Evidence From Harare, Zimbabwe". Global Journal of Human-Social Science - E: Economics GJHSS-E Volume 14 (GJHSS Volume 14 Issue E1).

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Journal Specifications

Crossref Journal DOI 10.17406/GJHSS

Print ISSN 0975-587X

e-ISSN 2249-460X

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GJHSS-E Classification FOR Code: 140202

349901

Submission ReceivedDecember 11, 2013
Peer Review Double Blind
Handling Editor
Accepted January 1, 2014
Published January 15, 2014

Version of record

v1.2

Issue date

March 25, 2014

Language

English

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Country: South Africa

Subject: Global Journal of Human-Social Science

Authors: Takunda J Chirau (PhD/Dr. count: 0)

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