Empirical Study of the Entrepreneurial Resilience of Street Vendors in Lusaka District, Zambia

This study assessed the entrepreneurial resilience of street vendors in Lusaka District, Zambia, focusing on the challenges they face, the innovations they employ, and the support systems required to strengthen their resilience within the informal economy. The study was guided by the pragmatism paradigm and informed by Schumpeter’s theory of entrepreneurship and psychological resilience theory. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data. The study was guided by three objectives: to determine the challenges affecting entrepreneurial resilience, to assess innovative strategies employed by street vendors, and to explore necessary adjustments in support systems for strengthening resilience. A total of 398 participants were involved, comprising 387 street vendors selected through cluster sampling and 11 key informants, including ministry officials and vendor representatives selected purposively. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings reveal that street vendors demonstrate resilience through strategies such as business diversification, flexible pricing, strategic relocation, and reliance on informal networks. Inferential analysis shows that resilience is strongly associated with operating during low visibility hours (r = 0.68, p = 0.001), frequent relocation (r = 0.55, p = 0.003), and use of portable vending setups (r = 0.47, p = 0.010). However, relationships with authorities and community leaders were not statistically significant. The study further finds that access to microfinance, skills training, mentorship, and provision of secure vending spaces are critical in strengthening resilience. It concludes that enhancing entrepreneurial resilience requires integrated interventions in financial access, skills development, infrastructure provision, and supportive policy frameworks tailored to the informal sector.