IAD Spring 2025 Seminar Series: “Street Traders’ Associations and Collective Action in Politically Volatile and Contested Cities”

In this presentation, I discuss how street traders’ associations in Harare (Zimbabwe) mobilize and organize to defend the interests of traders operating in a politically volatile and contested urban environment. I demonstrate how external political dynamics, and institutional constraints shape the strategies and outcomes of these associations. Drawing on qualitative research, including interviews with municipal officials, civil society leaders and focus groups with street traders, the findings reveal that while some associations engage in episodic activism, responding to immediate crises like harassment or eviction, their efforts often lack sustained impact. This is due to challenges in maintaining legitimacy, fostering long-term member engagement, and navigating a politically polarized context. I argue that despite their actions leading to incremental gains, they fail to catalyze structural changes in urban policy and planning. The fragmentation and political polarization within the associations weaken their bargaining power to influence policy agendas or propose alternative policies for negotiation with urban authorities.