AN EXPLORATION OF COPING STRATEGIES OF STREET VENDORS IN A HYPERINFLATIONARY ENVIRONMENT OF 2018-2019: A CASE OF MVUMA

Abstract

The thesis explored the coping strategies of street vendors in a hyperinflation of 2018-2019 in Mvuma town. It explored the copying strategies adopted by street vendors in reducing the impact of hyperinflation to their livelihood. To find coping strategies of street vendors, the research identified the vending activities in Mvuma, the challenges faced by street vendors and strategies they apply to overcome them. Structuration theory was used to enhance the theoretical understanding of critical issues under investigation. Qualitative research method was deployed in this study, interviews were used to collect data. This study unearths the copying strategies used by street vendors to sustain their livelihoods in Mvuma. The research proposes an in-depth understanding of street vendors’ operational environment. It establishes that street vending has played an important role in employing many urbanites in Zimbabwe against the high unemployment rates in the country at large. Therefore, there is need for improving infrastructure for street vending as well as facilitating credit facilities to street vendors