Coping with Crime Threat and Resilience Factors Among the Motorcycle Taxi Operators and Customers in Dar es Salaam Tanzania

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the coping strategies of customers in reducing the crime threat faced by motorcycle taxi riders. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used a mixed-approach research methodology based on a sample size of 287, selected through cluster and purposive sampling techniques. Relevant passengers and motorcycle taxi riders were among the participants in the survey. To supplement the data, open- and closed-ended surveys, interviews, as well as five focus group discussions, were held with motorcycle riders and consumers serving as the primary crime victims. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate open-ended questions, SPSS version 16 was used to analyze quantitative data, and MAXQDA 10 was used to analyze the qualitative data. Findings: Findings indicated that the crime victims managed to develop reactive and proactive strategies for coping with the threats. On the other hand, some of them experienced unsuccessful coping due to various reasons. To increase the victims’ ability to cope with the threats, the study recommends equipping riders and customers with relevant knowledge and skills as well as ensuring the availability of adequate security services. Moreover, operators should be facilitated to form meaningful social networks that enable them to access security support. Research Limitation/Implications: Motorcycle taxi business is increasingly becoming one of the key livelihood strategies in the urban settings of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, crime against operators is threatening the subsector and jeopardises the livelihood of motorcycle riders. Practical Implication: These findings contribute to the government's initiatives towards alleviating crime related to motorcycle taxi operations. Originality/Value: These findings shed light on practical ways of alleviating crime threats and their consequences among motorcycle taxi riders and customers in the urban setting. The paper contributes to promoting safety among young men and women who, through their creativity have devised means of promoting reliable transport systems in cities where public transport is almost paralyzed due to limited transport infrastructure and traffic congestion.