ASSESSMENT ON THE PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF STREET VENDING (IN CASE OF GONDAR CITY ADMINISTRATION)

Abstract

Recently street vending is a worldwide incident and the most visible aspect of the informal sector, and like other informal sector, still street vending is challenged by various troubles. So that, the main aim of this study is to make an assessment on the Problems and Prospects of Street Vending (in Case of Gondar City Administration). The study discusses different concepts of street vending and it’s the problems and prospects. The study used descriptive research design to generate answers to the research questions. To determine the sample size for selecting the respondents the researcher employed a sample size determination formula. And 384 respondents obtained and participated in the study with convenience sampling techniques. Primary type of data was collected with the help of questionnaires and interviews. The collected (questionnaires) data was analyzed by descriptive statistics of percentage, mean and standard deviation; and qualitative (interview) data was analyzed through thematic analysis techniques. The findings show that driving force to start street vending are due to lack of supporter, previous employment condition is unsatisfactory, no opportunity for formal job and earning money, political instability, displacement, low start up capital, sometimes free from rent, free from government tax, low entrance barrier, etc. But lack of sufficient capital, lack of dignity, lack of right to work, harassment and exploitation by national police and municipal authorities, etc are a problem of street vending. It has also its own prospects like high demand of products by peoples, a possibility of being a permanent vendor by getting registration from government office, peoples understanding to street vendors will improve. Finally it is suggested that any responsible body ought to give attention to support street vending people to operate their business without damaging; economic, social, environmental, and political aspects of the city. The government and stakeholders should support the operations of the street vending business through providing the required credit needs, training programs and working place for their business operations with minimal precondition.