SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF NIGHT MARKETS IN SELECTED TOWNS OF EAST HARARGHE ZONE

Abstract

This study focused on the social and economic aspects of night markets in selected towns in the East Hararghe zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. The descriptive study design, which consists of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, was used. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used for the study, and both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis were used. The data, which is collected in the form of qualitative data, was organized in the form of thematic and narrative data analysis methods through categorizing and combining the data with their interpretation. The data, which is collected in the form of quantity, was presented in the form of frequency in tables, percentages, pi-charts, and bar graph with their explanation.There are many historical factors that contributed to the emergence and evolution of night markets in the study area. The first factors were started from when the authority of Gadasystems loses his power during the 18th century due to two forces, which were external and internal. The second factor that contributes to the emergence and more the evolution process were takes place are unbalanced population growth with their economy, shortages of land production, low sources of income, unemployment, and poverty. Night markets are used by the many vendors in creating work places, sources of income, work opportunities, and creating social interactions and economic growth in the study area. There are many types of fresh vegetables found in night market in the study area such as tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions, carrots, etc.Some problems that night vendors face in night markets are bad situations of workplace likes; infestations of dirt and dust, disruptions from off-road vehicles, a shortage of waste storage, and a dearth of public restrooms.Because of this and others, every concerned body has a responsibility to reform night markets as it can more contribute to the development of thenight markets in the study area.Therefore, all concerned bodies should seek solutions for the factors that challenging the vendors in night markets.