Informality and Everyday Survival at an Urban Market in Harare, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has one of the largest informal economies globally, accommodating thousands of people whose livelihoods are dependent on this growing economy. There are a myriad of explanations that account for the rapid ballooning of the informal economy starting with the government's adoption of the neoliberal economic structural adjustment programmes (ESAP), and the attendant protracted economic crisis, which led to massive retrenchments which compelled many people to move into the informal economy for survival. Another explanation of the recent growth of the informal economy has been the rapid rural-to urban migration as well as growing unemployment in the country. This article deploys the concept of 'kungwavha-ngwavha' to unpack the livelihood portfolio and everyday survival strategies of informal street level merchandisers known as 'Magombiro' at an urban furniture market in Glen View, Harare. The article particularly examines the everyday tactics and forms of survival by the Magombiro and their relationships with the carpenters. I frame Magombiro as nimble-footed urban hustlers who deploy multiple tactics for getting by around the market. The article argues that Magombiro deploys a myriad of tactics involving social networks and violent masculinities to secure deals with both clients and carpenters. These tactics often constrained Magombiro's relationships with the carpenters as well as law enforcement agents around the market.