Livelihood Outcomes of Informal Cross Border Traders Prior to the Rise of the Virtual Cash Economy in Gweru, Zimbabwe

Informal cross border trade (ICBT) is a viable economic activity that many people in Zimbabwe depend upon for their survival during times of economic hardship. The research examined the livelihood outcomes of ICBT during the multi-currency era and prior to the extensive use of the virtual cash econo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of borderlands studies 2023-01, Vol.38 (1), p.75-94
Main Authors: Dzawanda, B., Nicolau, M. D., Matsa, M., Kusena, W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
cash economy
Gweru
Informal cross border trade
informal sector
livelihood outcome
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Informal cross border trade (ICBT) is a viable economic activity that many people in Zimbabwe depend upon for their survival during times of economic hardship. The research examined the livelihood outcomes of ICBT during the multi-currency era and prior to the extensive use of the virtual cash economy in Zimbabwe. Data collection instruments comprised closed and open-ended questionnaires, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 497 traders at flea markets in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Results revealed that during the cash economy, ICBT generated livelihood outcomes through the exchange of cash, allowing traders to acquire land and goods and to provide employment. The study recommended the simultaneous use of the virtual cash economy and a cash economy to provide sustainable livelihood outcomes for all stakeholders. In addition, it is recommended that the government of Zimbabwe should integrate ICBT into the mainstream economy by formalization through economic policy.
ISSN:0886-5655
2159-1229
DOI:10.1080/08865655.2020.1865187