Assessing stakeholder perceptions and mitigation strategies to reduce livelihoods and property loss from fire hazards in informal marketplaces: a case study of Mbare musika
- Author
- Dembure, Winnie S.
- Title
- Assessing stakeholder perceptions and mitigation strategies to reduce livelihoods and property loss from fire hazards in informal marketplaces: a case study of Mbare musika
- Abstract
- Fire hazards remain a persistent threat in informal marketplaces due to poor fire safety knowledge, inadequate infrastructure, and weak stakeholder coordination. In Zimbabwe, Mbare Musika has been prone to recurrent fire outbreaks, significantly impacting livelihoods and resulting in property loss. Despite efforts to address fire risks through various interventions, challenges remain in promoting effective mitigation strategies. This study was carried out to assess stakeholder perceptions and mitigation strategies in Mbare Musika informal market. A cross-sectional research design adopted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires and key informants’ interviews. The study targeted a sample 100 market vendors and 5 key informants. The data was analyzed using Microsoft excel for descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The findings revealed that 94% of vendors had experienced fire outbreaks, 44% indicating frequent occurrences. The most common causes from the survey results indicated open flames (41%), and electrical faults (31%) as the most frequently cited hazard. Despite only 45% of the respondents indicating awareness of fire safety practices and 40% expressing confidence in their ability to respond effectively to fire outbreaks, the findings point to low levels of preparedness among the majority of traders in Mbare Musika, with only 19% having access to functional fire extinguishers. The study revealed critical challenges in fire response including the absence of routine fire drills and weak coordination among stakeholders. These factors contribute to fragmented and largely reactive efforts, undermining the overall effectiveness of fire risk mitigation strategies and emergency response in the marketplace. The findings underscore the need for strengthening fire safety awareness, enhancing stakeholder collaboration and upgrading fire fighting infrastructure .Promoting proactive fire risk reduction strategies such as regular fire safety training and awareness campaign ,community based education ,tailored infrastructure improvements can reduce vulnerability in informal market places .therefore ,understanding stakeholder perceptions and existing gaps is key to improving disaster preparedness and building resilience against fire hazards in high risk environments like Mbare Musika.
- Date
- October 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Stakeholder Perceptions
- Fire Hazards
- Informal Marketplaces
- Livelihoods and Property Loss
- Supervisor
- Dr. T. Manyangadze
- Item sets
- Department of Disaster Risk Reduction
- Media
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Dembure, Winnie S..pdf