The impact of COVID-19 on the livelihood of informal sector workers: A case study of street vendors in Eenhana Town, Ohangwena region, Namibia
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Date
2024
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been extensive and has resulted in
significant negative consequences, particularly impacting individuals employed in the informal
sector. Among the most susceptible groups are street vendors, who face increased vulnerability
due to their limited skills and resources for coping with such crises. This research aimed to
investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the informal sector in Eenhana Town, Ohangwena
Region, Namibia. A quantitative research approach was used, and descriptive statistics on
income before, during, and after COVID-19, frequency table, and crosstabulations were used
to present the research results. A sample of 133 respondents of street vendors were targeted
using a stratified sampling method. Data was gathered using a quantitative survey
questionnaire. The data collected through the questionnaires was subjected to statistical data
analysis techniques utilising version 23 of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS)
software. Many informal sector workers had livelihood losses, with high rates of job and
income losses amongst street vendors. The Namibian government has implemented support
programmes, but few are aware of them, thus indicating a lack of cohesion between the
government and the sector. The research found that it is important to increase the involvement
of informal workers in decision-making processes to promote a sustainable recovery and
protect against potential crises
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Degree of Masters of Arts in Development studies
Keywords
COVID-19, Street vendor, Informal wage employment, Livelihood, Employment, Unemployment, Informal economy, Namibia, University of Namibia