The Impacts of Mobile Phones on the Growth of Informal Sector of economy in Tanzania; A case study of mobile phone users in Lindi region

Mwacha, Michael Josephat (2013) The Impacts of Mobile Phones on the Growth of Informal Sector of economy in Tanzania; A case study of mobile phone users in Lindi region. Masters thesis, The Open University Of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study was set to examine The Impacts of Mobile Phones on the Growth of the Informal Sector of Economy, with the specific reference to Lindi region mobile phone users. Specifically the study was set out to find out the extent to which mobile phones have helped its users to perform their economic activities, and to establish the improvements in the lives of mobile phone users brought by using services offered by mobile phones. The study employed descriptive approach. Data was collected using questionnaire, interview and observation. Both primary sources and secondary sources of data were used. Primary data was obtained through structured and unstructured interviews. Structured self administered questionnaires with both closed and open ended questions were used. Numerical data was analyzed by computing percentages for quantification purposes. The findings from the questionnaires, interviews and documentation were analyzed qualitatively. The data was processed by excel software using tables, words, numbers and percentages. The qualitative analysis focused on two major thematic issues and case analysis summary was presented. In the analysis summary the researcher came up with observed variables that explain key issues in each sub theme. A sample size of 64 respondents was used comprising mobile phones users. Findings from the study showed significant increase in income of individual users of mobile phones, growth of the informal sector of economy and improvement in standards of living of the mobile phone users. It was recommended that the government should lessen mobile phone tariffs, so that many users afford buying and running costs.

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