An Investigation Into the Livelihoods Strategies of Informal Women Traders in Zimbabwe

This article investigated the livelihoods strategies used by various informal women traders doing business in the Hare Business Districts of the Harare Province. The study was informed by the Sustainable Livelihood Approach proffered by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Division (SIDA, 2001) for Policy and Socio-Economic Analysis. A quantitative and qualitative research design was utilized and data was gathered through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and direct observations during transect walks. The objectives of the study was to; identify micro-credit schemes used by the informal women traders doing business at flea markets, explore the livelihoods of microcredit schemes as pathways towards poverty eradication and finally determine possible interventions and sustainable strategies that could be used for the informal women traders. The study revealed that women informal traders engaged in diverse activities for sustainable livelihoods strategies that eradicate poverty. Numerous informal women traders face staid livelihoods challenges, resulting in them living in dire poverty. The study calls on Government and financing institutions to finance them for local empowerment as well as gain access and control of available livelihoods resources in a meaningful way. Thus comprehensive policy interventions and sustainable strategies would enable informal women traders doing business at flea markets to eradicate poverty in Zimbabwe.