Health and financial vulnerability among motorcycle-taxi drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability among population groups in Tanzania. The study analyzed vulnerability status during the pandemic using motorcycle-taxi drivers for the case study since they are one of the vulnerable groups to the COVID-19 crisis and commonly excluded from or underserved by social protection. The field survey was conducted in the Dar es Salaam region across five districts (Kinondoni, Ilala, Temeke, Kigamboni, and Ubungo). Seven (7) enumerators administered the structured questionnaires to interview 462 respondents. The researcher analyzed data using descriptive statistics, frequency tables, and charts to analyze the financial vulnerability status of motorcycle taxi drivers. The study employs the logistic regression model (logistic transformation of the odds) for health vulnerability. The results suggest that the likelihood of motorcycle taxi drivers getting sick from COVID-19 increases with the number of passengers in contact, age, and if they rarely wear a mask. The Tanzanian government can use the study results to understand better the vulnerability issues related to motorcycle taxis in Tanzania and formulate practices and policies to minimize their vulnerability and maximize their benefits. This will include raising awareness of Covid-19 and precautions measures.