Promoting decent work for sanitation workers through digitalization innovation in cleaning technologies in Tanzania: A case of selected higher learning institutions in Dar es Salaam

Abstract

This study explores how digitalisation and innovation in cleaning technology can promote decent work for sanitation workers in Tanzania using selected Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Dar es Salaam. In Tanzania, sanitation workers are a marginalised group, with no or minimal trade union representation and little or no technological deployment in the cleaning industry. The study is conducted by considering the United Nations Sustainable Goals (SDG) 8 and 12, which emphasise decent work and responsible consumption and production, respectively. Furthermore, the study was guided by the psychology of work and sociotechnical systems theories, which entail human behaviours, emotions and attitudes towards the work environment and the interdependent relationship between social and technical components of work, respectively. This study deployed a cross-sectional survey design which integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches. Multi-stage and purposeful sampling were used to select a sample from the targeted sanitation workers, facility managers working in HLIs and TUICO representatives in Dar es Salaam. Whereby, structured, semi-structured, thematically aligned, and digitally designed data collection tools were used. Using a cross-sectional survey approach, we assessed working conditions, identified technological opportunities, and examined systemic constraints and enablers. A sample of 39 sanitation workers, 10 facility managers and 2 TUICO representatives participated in this study. Microsoft Excel and Python’s Pandas library were used to analyse data by generating descriptive statistics. Crosstabulation was deployed to find patterns across gender, level of education, employment status and others. The findings reveal precarious deficits in decent work: 67% of workers report irregular pay, 92% find their income insufficient, and 95% lack written contracts. Furthermore, 85% receive no social benefits, and 97% work beyond 8 hours daily without overtime reimbursement. Notwithstanding these conditions, there is strong receptivity to innovation, though adoption remains low due to cost, lack of training, and poor institutional prioritisation. Managers declared budget limitations yet conceded potential gains from mechanised equipment and digital tools. The absence of unionisation and grievance mechanisms intensifies workers’ vulnerabilities. Conversely, opportunities exist through policy reforms, inclusive procurement practices, training programmes, and stakeholder collaborations. This study upholds that digitalisation can catalyse decent work, but only when integrated with fair labour practices, technological capacity-building, and institutional accountability. The findings stipulate actionable insights for policy, engineers, academia, and labour advocates working towards transforming informal service employment.