Technology for street traders in Tanzania: A design science research approach




Nasibu Mramba, Mikko Apiola, Emmanuel Awuni Kolog, Erkki Sutinen

PublisherTaylor and Francis Ltd.

2016

African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development

African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development

8

1

121

133

13

2042-1338

2042-1346

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2016.1147208

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20421338.2016.1147208

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/29609773



The informal sector employs the major part of workers in developing countries. Street trading is a common form of informal work. Despite its huge economic value in developing countries, little research is being done to improve street traders’ empowerment and entrepreneurship. Also, development informatics is over-focused on social development and under-focused on economic development. This study takes a design science research (DSR) approach in order to identify barriers for street traders in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, that can be addressed with technology. As a follow-up to our previous qualitative study, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of (N = 285) street traders. The data was analysed using mixed methods. The results show that street traders operate in a challenging environment, and make most of their decisions based on tacit knowledge. Traders are restrained by unreliable business information, weak business strategies, and access to capital. A variety of technology innovations, such as customer-client matchmaking, and record keeping are proposed to directly address the daily challenges of street traders. Future technology projects form exciting possibilities for technology experts, students, and scholars globally. The expected future implications of this project are increased STI capacities, economic growth, and human development.


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