Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the economic effects of COVID-19 on local artisan livelihood in Iringa District, Tanzania. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approach with Cross-Section Research Design. The sample consisted of 51 participants who were selected by using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The data were collected using questionnaire and interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed by Statistical Product for Social Solutions (SPSS) version 25 and thematic analysis respectively. The descriptive analysis involved calculation of percentages and frequencies. The findings of the study were presented using tables in which frequencies and percentages were utilized whereas content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data in accordance to the study objectives. The results shows that the eruption of COVID-19 created barrier to the society in term of social interaction, decrease rate of purchases, closing of shops, stopping their daily routine, burn the availability of reliable markets, decreased of income rate, absence of stable marketing, and raw materials. Moreover, the findings found that artisans decided to find loans to boost their business from different institutions either to improve their business or starting a new business to sustain their life during COVID-19 Pandemic period. The study further recommended that Artisans should think on alternative way of broadening their business even if there is no calamities like eruption of COVID-19 to afford their life in hardship situation, Tanzania government policies should be improved so as to make small businessmen such as artisans run their business through entrepreneurship education and there should be availability of credit facilitators so as to get loans and improve their business.

Lastly, the government should play an effective efforts to safeguard the policies of local artisans and protection in their working places, being aware of the achievements and progress of their work, supporting local artisans regardless of the pressure from powerful people, parties, interest groups and organizations, fostering the development in cultural development, ensuring funds are continually allocated to enhance local artisans protection system, consulting relevant stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive policies, and involving artisans in policy decision that affects their lives towards development of their life standards and businesses.