‘Pedal Power’ peddling lives Out of Poverty: Exploring benefits and challenges faced by ‘Pedal power’ boys in their biking business of transporting passengers on bicycles in Chipata District- Zambia

DOI

No DOI

Published In

Volume 2, Issue 4 (2022)

Published Online

July-August 2022

Pages

06-12

Article Type

Research Article

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Informal employment provides livelihood opportunities to millions worldwide. In Chipata District, Zambia, young men devised a livelihood strategy of hauling passengers on their bicycles to different destinations for cash. This social phenomenon has not received scholarly attention in Zambia. This study therefore, intending to bridge the scholarly gap, explored immediate and life-long benefits including the associated challenges faced by ‘power pedal’ boys in their biking business. The study used qualitative research approach. The study was conducted between January and March in Chipata District, Zambia among 15 riders aged between 18 and 40 years. The study found that economic and social survival and the desire to break the enchantment of drug and substance drove many young men to take up the biking occupation. The study also found that riders were constantly hedged in by threats of robbery, violence, theft and accidents. The study recommends for protection of riders and other informal employees. The study also recommends financial literacy to riders. Key words: informal, rider, occupation, transport, economic, social