Assessing the Effectiveness of Local Government Strategies to Improve the Street Vendors Working Conditions at Machinga Complex

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of local government strategies in improving the working conditions of street vendors operating at the Dodoma Machinga Complex. A mixed research approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques to capture statistical patterns and experiential insights. There were 278 respondents was determined using the Raosoft calculator at a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with key informants including market leaders and government officers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that infrastructure support was rated the most effective local government strategy with a mean score of 3.81 and mode of 4, indicating that provision of vending spaces, shelters, and road access has improved vendors’ working conditions. Coordination among vendors, private sector, and local government followed with a mean of 3.54, signifying that multi-stakeholder collaboration enhances market opportunities and operational safety. Financial assistance programs scored a mean of 3.40, showing moderate accessibility of grants and loans but challenges with bureaucracy and collateral requirements. Stakeholder engagement had a mean of 3.17, reflecting limited vendor involvement in policymaking, while tax and license fee reduction was the lowest-rated intervention (mean = 2.65, mode = 1), indicating persistent dissatisfaction with fiscal policies. The study concludes that sustainable improvement of street vendors’ working conditions requires an integrated policy approach that balances physical infrastructure, economic empowerment, and inclusive governance.