Capabilities of informal food vendors in achieving decent work in Kigamboni Municipality, Tanzania

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Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess how knowledge of decent work principles, skills and competencies, and access to enabling services influence vendors’ ability to achieve decent work. Design This study adopted a cross-sectional quantitative design. The sample comprised 77 informal food vendors operating at the Kigamboni Ferry Bus Stand. Data were analysed using structured questionnaires (adapted from validated measures of “decent work”), descriptive statistics, and Chi-square tests to identify associations among key variables. Findings Vendors demonstrated moderate awareness of “decent work” principles (55%) and considerable operational skills (92%). However, they exhibited significant deficiencies in strategic skills, including record-keeping (38%) and social protection awareness (40%). Additionally, vendors had limited access to formal enabling services, such as financial services (27%) and social protection (18%). Statistically significant relationships were observed between skills and access to services ( p = 0.048) and between knowledge and skills ( p = 0.041). The link between knowledge and service access was positive but not significant. Implications While the results show that development of skills, increased access to enabling services, and raising awareness about labour rights could provide food vendors with better prospects for decent work, the associations noted should not be viewed as causal. Originality/value This research provides empirical insights into decent work among food vendors in the informal sector through the application of the Decent Work Framework and the Capability Approach in the Kigamboni Municipality case study. It does not seek to develop a fresh framework, but it extends previous Tanzanian research by focusing on how knowledge, skills and access to enabling services affect vendors’ capabilities. Conclusion and recommendations Informal vendors demonstrate resilience but remain structurally constrained. Policy responses should prioritise inclusive training, improved access to finance and social protection, and stronger institutional linkages to support sustainable and dignified work outcomes.

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