Gaining new spaces

the dynamics of informal trade in clothing and footwear worn in the municipality of Lichinga

Abstract

The socio-economic situation of the country marked by a sharp level of unemployment, depreciation of the local currency (metical) and the significant cuts in the sectors of public administration means that many citizens see in informal trade the main source of survival. For these reasons, there has been a notable increase in this commercial activity, especially the selling of footwear and used clothing on the sidewalks of the main avenues and streets of the city, especially Julius Nyerere Avenue, popularly known as “a rua do mercado central”. In this sense, the need to reflect on the informal trade in clothing and footwear in the city of Lichinga is urgently needed in order to identify the main changes that marked this activity as well as its contribution to the well-being of these citizens. In methodological terms, the study focused on a qualitative research, of ethnographic nature, which allowed researchers to capture, through semi-structured interviews, the perceptions and behaviors manifested by the subjects under study. The results indicate that informal sellers are mostly young, male, with solid experience in informal trade. However, the choice of the sale of footwear and used clothing resulted from the fact that this activity guaranteed a higher performance, because these goods are on most demand compared to those sold on the formal market, due to the low price, quality and exclusivity. Moreover, the preference of sellers for the space under study results from the fact that this concentrates a greater number of infrastructures, administrative and commercial, ensuring a greater flow of individuals. Consequently, it is concluded that the informal trade in footwear and clothing contributes significantly to the well-being of traders, as it is the main source of income.

KEYWORDS: Informal trade, sellers, footwear and clothing