The Use of Eviction Strategy in Managing Street Vending in Dodoma Tanzania

Abstract

Eviction is conventionally employed by local government authorities as a strategy for managing street vendors in cities. To improve eviction strategy, this research studied eviction of street vendors from Dodoma Central Business District to Machinga Complex. Cross-sectional design and mixed-methods research were used. Systematic random sampling was used to select 97 (n = 97; CI = ± 0.1) street vendors to whom survey was administered using questionnaires where purposive sampling was used to select 30 officials to whom interview was conducted using interview guides to obtain primary data, and documentary review to obtain secondary data. Statistical analysis was used to analyse quantitative data and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. It was found that street vendors at Machinga Complex were provided with good infrastructure and services like stalls, storage space, toilets, water supply, accommodations, transport, security, and financial services; business support like education, licensing, and loans. The site was strategically situated and viable for businesses; limited force was used for eviction thus mitigating confrontations; and CBD was spacious, safe, and clean. However, the research found inadequacy of stalls and toilets; decline in customers, income, and livelihood; unsustainable support to vendors; incidents of corruption; weak inclusion of vendors in decision-making; some negative effects on businesses and livelihoods perhaps due to eviction disruption. The study recommends provision of more stalls and toilets, and construction of other markets; consistent provision of support to street vendors‟ businesses.