Abstract: Social protection and social security systems are increasingly recognized as vital mechanisms for safeguarding the welfare of workers, yet their accessibility and effectiveness among informal sector workers remain a pressing concern in developing economies. This study examined the influence of the perceived value of social security programs on the engagement of informal sector workers at the SIDO Market in Mbeya, Tanzania. Despite the essential role that social security systems play in providing financial security, workers in the informal sector, particularly in developing countries like Tanzania, face challenges in accessing these benefits. The study highlights that factors such as low income, financial instability, and lack of awareness contribute to the low participation rates in social security programs. It specifically investigates how informal workers perceive the benefits of these programs, focusing on long-term security, healthcare, and income replacement during times of hardship. The findings suggest that while workers recognize the potential long-term benefits, skepticism regarding the reliability and immediate value of the programs remains a significant barrier to engagement. The research further explored how factors like trust in government institutions, financial literacy, and program flexibility impact the willingness of informal sector workers to participate in social security schemes. A lack of trust in the efficiency of benefit disbursement and the perceived complexity of participation are major deterrents. However, the study reveals that when programs offer flexibility, such as mobile-based contributions and tailored outreach strategies, informal workers are more likely to engage. The Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) provide useful frameworks for understanding how workers assess the risks and benefits of engaging in social security programs. These theories emphasize that enhancing workers' perceived ability to participate and addressing their immediate financial concerns could significantly improve engagement rates. Lastly, the study highlights the need for local social security programs to adapt to the unique challenges of informal workers by offering immediate benefits such as healthcare and emergency financial assistance, alongside long-term retirement savings. By addressing the specific needs and concerns of informal sector workers at the SIDO market, policymakers can design more effective outreach strategies that foster trust and improve participation in social security programs. The study concludes by recommending flexible contribution models, increased transparency, and awareness campaigns to boost participation among informal workers.
Keywords: Social Security, Informal Sector, Perceived Value & Engagement.
Title: THE INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED VALUE OF SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS ON ENGAGEMENT OF INFORMAL SECTOR WORKERS AT THE SIDO MARKET -MBEYA
Author: Mwajuma Malizeni, Haji Ng'elenge
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025
Page No: 78-85
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 10-October-2025
