This study assesses the socio-economic influence of motorbike taxi services, locally known as "Kabaza," on rural communities in Nanjiri Township, Lilongwe, Malawi. Kabaza has become a pivotal element in the informal transport sector across sub-Saharan Africa, addressing mobility challenges amid rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and high unemployment. In Nanjiri, a rural area reliant on subsistence agriculture with poor road networks and limited public transport, Kabaza bridges connectivity gaps, enabling access to markets, healthcare, education, and social services. However, it also encounters issues like safety hazards, economic exploitation, and regulatory deficiencies. Drawing on Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, which frames development as expanding individuals' freedoms and opportunities, and the DFID Livelihoods Framework, which analyzes asset utilization for sustainable livelihoods amid vulnerabilities, this research examines Kabaza's contributions and constraints in fostering rural development.
A mixed-methods approach was employed for a comprehensive analysis. Quantitative data came from structured questionnaires with Likert-scale items administered to 12 participants (6 operators and 6 passengers), evaluating perceptions of economic benefits, social impacts, and challenges. Qualitative insights were derived from semi-structured interviews with the same group, focus group discussions with 8 participants (4 operators and 4 community leaders), and observations of daily operations. Purposive and snowball sampling ensured diversity in age, gender, and roles, yielding a 100% response rate from 15 participants. A pilot study refined tools for cultural relevance, while analysis used descriptive statistics (percentages, charts via Excel) for quantitative data and thematic coding for qualitative narratives.
Results highlight notable economic advantages: 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that Kabaza offers stable income (MWK 15,000–20,000 daily for operators), boosts market access (halving travel time and increasing profits by 25% for perishable goods), and spurs related industries like repair shops and fuel vendors, indirectly supporting over 10,000 jobs in Lilongwe per MCCCI data. Socially, 85% concurred on improved healthcare access (40% travel time reduction, 25% rise in prenatal visits) and education (20% higher school attendance), enhancing social cohesion via rider networks and aligning with Sen’s focus on capabilities for health and learning. Yet, challenges persist: only 40% deemed services safe, with 30% of operators facing annual accidents due to subpar roads and absent helmets; leasing fees (MWK 5,000–7,000 daily) erode earnings; and regulatory gaps fuel conflicts with formal transport.
In summary, Kabaza drives socio-economic progress in Nanjiri by bolstering livelihoods and capabilities, but systemic barriers hinder equity and sustainability, especially for women (30% usage amid safety fears) and low-income users. Recommendations include operator cooperatives for better leasing terms, government infrastructure upgrades and licensing, and NGO-led safety training and microfinance. Future studies could investigate environmental effects like emissions or gender-specific barriers. This case contributes to informal transport literature in Malawi, guiding policies for inclusive rural mobility.
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