COVID-19 And Urban-Based Informal Vendors In Global South

A Review of Associated Livelihood Threats and Policy Implications

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the threat of COVID-19 to the livelihoods of urban-based informal vendors in the global south and recommends policy alternatives to support them to improve their health and economic conditions.

Design/Methodology/ Approach: Through desk research, the researchers reviewed different literature to capture and answer the needs of the study. Data extraction format was structured around the sustainable livelihood framework notably how Covid-19 had threatened livelihoods assets of the vendors. content analysis strategy was used to organize and analyze data by using the MAXQDA 10.

Findings: Findings show that vendors working conditions, expose them to the risk of contracting the virus. Also, living and working in informal places with fewer hygiene standards and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) makes them more vulnerable. Vendors lack financial inability to access PPE, have inadequate information about COVID-19, they lack health insurance in particular, and that their informal status disadvantages them from acquiring community health support. Lastly, vendors are unable to benefit from the economic stimulus programmes owing to their informal status.

Research Limitation/Implication: The study focus on COVID-19 to the livelihoods of urban-based informal vendors in the global south.

Practical Implication: The study recommends improvement in policy options to include improvement of hygiene status in living and working places, improvement of hygiene and PPE utilisation in public transport, ensure access to social protection as well as access to relevant COVID-19 related information.

Social Implication: mitigating the risk and the effects of this pandemic in these poor communities must combine social isolation with the protection of livelihoods through free access to clean water, adequate shelter, food security, and the provision of context-based information to local communities about the disease and how to protect from it.