Motorcycle Taxi “Boda Boda” A New Paradigm For Livelihood Diversification: A Case Of Chamwino District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of motorcycle taxi “Boda Boda” as a new paradigm for livelihood diversification. Specifically, the study aimed to get a better understanding on the socio-economic contributions and constraints of motorcycle taxi “Boda Boda” in rural areas and their implications on livelihood diversification at the household level. The study was conducted in Dodoma Region, Tanzania, whereby Chamwino District with the predominantly agro-pastoral communities’ operating motorcycle taxi “Boda Boda” as a new socioeconomic venture was taken. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design. Purposive and random sampling techniques were employed to select the representative sample. Data collection methods comprised of surveys (for motorcycle taxi “Boda Boda” operators’) and key informants’ interviews (for village and ward executive officers, Community development officer, traffic police officers and motorcycle taxi passengers). A total of 69 motorcycle taxi “Boda Boda” operators’ were directly administered with questionnaires. In addition, nineteen key informants’ interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using SPSS 20 version and MS-Excel computer software to summarize the facts. Descriptive statistics were used in describing the contributions and constraints of motorcycle taxi “Boda Boda” as a new paradigm for livelihood diversification.