How about finding alternative livelihood sources to relocate in-lane street hawkers from the urban road network?

Abstract

In-lane street hawking remains one of the urbanization challenges emanating from unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa. Although forceful evictions have been largely unsuccessful, the possibility of finding alternative livelihood sources for hawkers to relocate them from the road network has received little attention in the literature. Using secondary data and semi-structured interviews from Accra, Ghana as a case study, this study investigated the spatial pattern and hotspot hawking locations, hawkers’ preferred alternative employment, and their perspectives on possible relocation. It was discovered that hawkers trade near roads, at signalized intersections, and hotspots fall within the central business district because of faster and higher sales, low capital requirements, and free space. Interestingly, 62% of hawkers are willing to relocate from signalized intersections. However, this is premised on policymakers providing alternative employment and training in tailoring, nursing, auto-mechanic, hairdressing, and driving. Accordingly, a consultative approach involving all stakeholders is proposed for finding sustainable livelihood sources, training, and relocation strategies in cities.