Challenges faced by women selling fruits and fresh vegetables at Bomba along Kwekwe-Gokwe Highway, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study intended to investigate the challenges faced by women who sell fresh fruit and vegetables. This qualitative study used a case study research design so as to get the necessary details on challenges faced by women selling fresh fruits and vegetables at Bomba. The study utilised interviews and observations. Opportunity sampling was used to select members of the public who participated in this study. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic frames. The study established that the women operated in make-shift stalls as they did not pay any fees to the district council. The women lacked funding to boost their businesses. They sold similar commodities; hence they competed seriously amongst themselves. Members of the public viewed the vendors with suspicion because they thought they duped their customers. As a way forward, the women vendors need training and capacitation. They also require funding and linkages with niche markets. They need to have well-constructed infrastructure to improve their hygienic conditions