Life in a Megacity: Livelihood Strategies and Survival Mechanisms of Rickshaw Pullers in Dhaka City

Abstract

The informal sector plays an important role in the urban economy in developing countries. Rickshaw pulling is an informal sector occupation in which a large number of people in Bangladesh are employed. This article focuses on livelihood vulnerabilities, capital utilization, strategies for dealing with these vulnerabilities and challenges encountered by rickshaw pullers in the informal urban economy. A qualitative study was conducted in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh which today has become one of the fastest-growing developing country megacities. Moser’s and Rakodi’s livelihood frameworks were utilized to assess rickshaw pullers’ livelihood situations and challenges. The study applied focus group and in-depth interview methods to collect data from rickshaw pullers of Dhaka city. This article demonstrates that the rickshaw pullers attempt to use their human capital, social capital, productive capital and financial capital to mitigate their livelihood vulnerabilities and challenges. This article suggests that this poor urban occupational group carefully manage these capital assets to secure a better livelihood compared to their livelihood options in the rural areas. Social policies may be directed to better address their vulnerabilities by supporting the rickshaw pullers’ attempt to accumulate and maximize assets.