Assessment of Economic Implication of Traditional Alcohol Business: A Case of WomenEntrepreneurs in Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to explore the implications of traditional alcohol businesses on women traditional alcohol vendors in Mekelle City. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing interviews, observations, and case study methods to collect primary data. Thirty women alcohol vendors from the study area were included in the research. The study reveals that the production and sale of traditional alcohol serve as a means of livelihood and a primary source of income for these women, helping them cover household expenses. However, the women vendors face several infrastructural, financial, and institutional constraints, such as a lack of government support and the absence of policies and regulations, which negatively impact their businesses. Many of the women who manage to secure their livelihoods to some extent are unable to own permanent assets or improve their standard of living. To address these challenges, the city administration should consider including these vendors in recent housing projects, provide group loans without requiring collateral, and both government and non-government agencies working at the tabia and sub-city levels should work to enhance the vendors' knowledge and skills in business management. Lastly, this sector should be integrated into the annual development plans of the Tabia and Wereda administrations.