This study was carried out at Sakubva Market, popularly known as “Musika Wehuku or
Chicken Market” in Mutare City, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. The study focused on
gender dimensions of vending in terms of age, marital status, educational levels, types of
goods sold, and length of experience in the trade as well as sources and levels of funding.
A questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, field observations and document
reviews were used as data collection tools. Results revealed a marginal dominance of
men in vending activities. This was a departure from the commonly held notion of
vending as a women’s activity. A notable trend, however, was the more recent entry of
males into an activity formally perceived as female dominated. The men tended to vend
durable items as opposed to food items. Vending provides the only source of income for
the majority of vendors at Sakubva Market. With the economic and employment crisis
deepening in Zimbabwe, most urban dwellers find vending and other informal activities
as the sole source of livelihood. Mutare City Council has to integrate vending activities
into the urban economy to achieve sustainable urban livelihoods.