Marketing-Institutional-Financial (MIF) Dynamics Among Agri-Food-Vending Businesses in Urban Settings of Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70301/JOUR/SBS-JABR/2026/14/3/3Keywords:
Regulatory Compliance, Food-vending business and urban settings, TanzaniaAbstract
This paper examines the marketing, institutional, and financial dynamics among agri-food vending businesses in the urban setting of Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This study employed a mixed–methods approach that utilized both qualitative and quantitative techniques. This study collected primary data through a structured questionnaire administered to food vendors, while secondary data were obtained from relevant literature and local government reports. Excel and SPSS were employed to undertake descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that food-vending businesses experience Marketing-Institutional-Financial (MIF) Dynamics, including high competition, limited pricing flexibility, a moderate tax burden, and regulatory compliance issues. However, the results postulate that the licensing process is relatively efficient. This study provides the following policy implications: Firstly, financial institutions should develop and promote specialized micro-loan and credit programs for agri-food vending businesses in urban settings with simplified application processes and competitive interest rates; Secondly, government authorities (Ubungo Municipal) and lastly, financial institutions should collaborate to provide practical-oriented and hands-on financial literacy training. These trainings should go beyond basic budgeting to include modules on understanding loan terms, calculating interest, and the strategic use of credit for business expansion. On the other hand, business development organizations like GroFin and local business regulatory authorities like Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) should take the lead in offering workshops on digital marketing and branding to help agri-food vending businesses to move beyond a reliance on word-of-mouth. Government bodies like city councils and regulatory agencies like Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) should focus on maintaining the current supportive environment by continuing to streamline and simplify the licensing and tax compliance processes as much as possible, perhaps by introducing online portal services. They should also regularly communicate upcoming regulatory changes through accessible channels, such as community meetings or mobile text alerts, ensuring vendors are always informed. This study is limited to the licensed agri-food vending businesses from Ubungo ward, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study faced the following challenge during data collection: some respondents' unavailability or unwillingness to participate due to other commitments or personal matters. Furthermore, this study relied on the presence of respondents on their business operation area in order to acquire accurate information. Despite these limitations, the study results are reliable and useful for understanding the real situation in the study area. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by answering the following research question: What is the marketing, institutional, and financial dynamics among agri-food vending businesses in urban settings in Tanzania? Thus, providing localized insights to inform targeted interventions and policy recommendations that support agri-food vending businesses in similar urban settings.
References
Anuradha, G. & Anupriya, S. (2024). Street Vendor Financial Literacy: Impact and Solutions. International Journal of Research and Analytical Review, 11(1), 89-100.
Barney, J. (1991).Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management.CityPopulation.de. (2022). Ubungo Municipal (Municipality, Tanzania) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location. Retrieved from https://citypopulation.de/en/tanzania/coastal/admin/0704__ubungo_municipal/
Farm Africa. (2022). Access to Finance for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises in Tanzania. Retrieved from https://www.farmafrica.org/wp content/uploads/2024/07/available-financing-options-for-msmes-in tanzania.pdf
Financial Sector Deepening Trust (FSDT) (2023). Catalyzing Inclusive Finance for the Growth and Wellbeing of the Underserve. ANNUAL REPORT JULY 2022 – AUGUST 2023. FSDT-Annual-Report-2022-2023-Spreads.pdf
GAIN. (2020). Informal food retail in urban areas. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).Retrieved from https://www.gainhealth.org/sites/default/files/publications/documents/informal-food-retail-in-urban-areas.pdf
Habitat Media. (2024, August 4). The silent health crisis in Dar es Salaam's food markets and the resulting revenue losses. Retrieved from https://habitatmedia.co.tz/the-silent-health-crisis-in-dar-es-salaams-food-markets-and-the-resulting-revenue-losses/
Hart, K. (1973). Informal income opportunities and urban employment in Ghana. The Journal of Modern African Studies, 11(1), 61-89.
Hyera, D., & Isango, E. (2024). Unlocking Tax Compliance: Key Factors Influencing SMEs in Ubungo Municipal Council, Tanzania. NG Journal of Social Development, 14(1), 32–45. https://doi.org/10.4314/ngjsd.v14i1.3
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). (2019). Informal food markets offer diverse food products and crucial livelihood opportunities. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). Retrieved from https://www.iied.org/informal-food-markets-offer-diverse-food-products-crucial-livelihood-opportunities
International Labour Organization (ILO). (2022). SME Support and Informal Sector Development in Tanzania.
Kissoly, L., Ngassa, C., Norman, F., Rutatora, S. & Aluko, A. (2025). Improving Food Access in Dar es Salaam’s Urban Peripheries: The Role of Weekly Markets. Policy brief
Kothari, C.R. (2004). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques.
Lyatuu, P. M. (2025). Coping strategies and income of food vendors within bus stands in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(1), 184–194. Retrieved from https://www.ajol.info/index.php/eajhss/article/view/30416
Mang'ana, K.M., Ndyetabula, D.W. & Hokororo, S.J. (2023). Financial management practices and performance of agricultural small and medium enterprises in Tanzania, Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 7 (1) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100494.
Mnyone, G.I., Juma, M.S. & Mfinanga, F.A. (2018). Compliance of Food Vendors to Food Vending Regulations in Tanzania - A Case of Dodoma Municipality. International Journal of Research in Social Sciences, 8 (5), 109-123.
Munishi, E.J. (2023). Eviction-related Threats and Coping Mechanisms among Women Street Food Vendors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 4(2), 69 77.https://doi.org/10.46606/eajess2023v04i02.0277
Munishi, E.J. (2022). Constraints to Accessing Business Development Services and Support among the Urban Street Vendors in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania. African Journal of Applied Research,8 (2) pp. 14-29 http://www.ajaronline.com http://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.31.10.2022.02
Mwidege A. & Nyigu, C. (2024). Financial Management Practices on Growth of Business Enterprises in Mbinga District, Tanzania. Finance and Management Review, 3(19), 33-44.
National Bureau of Statistics Tanzania (NBS Tanzania). (2019). Informal Sector SurveyKeyIndicatorsReport.Retrievedfromhttps://www.nbs.go.tz/nbs/takwimu/labour/ISS_Key_Indicators_Report.pdf
North, D. C. (1990). Institutions, Institutional Change, and Economic Performance.
OECD. (2022). Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs: An OECD Scoreboard.
Ogondiek, M.W. (2024). Role of Entrepreneurship Education on Self- Employment in Tanzania: Case of Vocational Institutions Graduates. The Pan-African Journal of Business Management, 8(2), pp.14-25.
Portes, A. (1994). The Informal Economy and its Implications. In N. J. Smelser & R. Swedberg (Eds.), the Handbook of Economic Sociology (pp. 426-448). Princeton University Press.
Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA). (2021). Skills Landscape and Sustainability of Youth-Led Business Establishments in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Research on Poverty Alleviation (RePOA). (2024). Coping Strategies and Income of Food Vendors within Bus Stands in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Retrievedfromhttps://www.utafitionline.com/index.php/eajhss/article/download/961/354
Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO). (2023). Annual Report.
Tanzania Investment and Consultant Group Ltd (TICGL) (2020). Challenges and Opportunities for Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania.
Tanzania Investment and Consultant Group Ltd (TICGL) (2025). Empowering Tanzania's SMEs for Economic Growth. Retrieved from https://data.ticgl.com/empowering-tanzanias-smes-for-economic-growth/Ubungo, Ubungo District.
Tanzania Investment and Consultant Group Ltd (TICGL) (2025, April 16). Analysis of Formal and Informal Employment in Tanzania 2025. Retrieved from https://ticgl.com/analysis-of-formal-and-informal-employment-in-tanzania-2025/
Tonya, E.M. & Samwel, E. (2024). Challenges Facing the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tanzania: A Case of Mbeya's Mwanjelwa Market.
Tumaini, U. J. & Munishi, E. J. (2023). Eviction-Related Threats and Coping Mechanisms among Women Street Food Vendors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences 4(2), 69-77. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46606/eajess2023v04i02.0277.
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). (2021). Enhancing SMEs’ Role in Africa’s Development.
United Republic of Tanzania (URT). (2020, 2022). National Baseline Survey on SMEs.
World Bank. (2023). SME Finance and Economic Recovery.
Additional Files
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ngozi, S. , Mkalonga, H.S., Winani, S.C. (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Publication Agreement
This Publication Agreement ("Agreement") is made between the author(s) ("Author") and the SBS Journal of Applied Business Research ("Journal"). By submitting a manuscript for publication, the Author agrees to the following terms:
1. Grant of License
The Author retains full copyright ownership of the submitted and published work. The Author grants the Journal a non-exclusive license to publish, distribute, and archive the article in any format or medium, including but not limited to online and print versions.
2. Open Access and Licensing
All articles published in the Journal are fully open access under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This means that:
• The work can be freely used, shared, and adapted by anyone, provided that proper attribution is given to the original Author.
• The full license terms can be found at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
• No additional restrictions are placed on the use of published articles.
3. Author Responsibilities and Warranties
The Author guarantees that:
• The submitted work is original and has not been published or submitted for publication elsewhere.
• The work does not infringe on any third-party rights, including copyright, trademark, or proprietary rights.
• All necessary permissions for copyrighted materials used in the manuscript (e.g., figures, tables) have been obtained.
• The manuscript complies with ethical research standards and does not contain any form of plagiarism or falsified data.
4. Editorial and Publication Process
• The Journal reserves the right to perform editorial revisions for clarity, formatting, and consistency while maintaining the integrity of the Author’s work.
• The publication of an article is subject to peer review, and acceptance is not guaranteed upon submission.
5. Retraction and Corrections
• The Journal follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines and reserves the right to retract, correct, or withdraw an article in cases of misconduct, errors, or ethical concerns.
6. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of Switzerland. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of Zurich, Switzerland.
7. Agreement Acceptance
By submitting a manuscript, the Author acknowledges and agrees to the terms outlined in this Agreement.
Editor-In-Chief
Prof. Dr. Milos Petkovic
