Informal Business Sector Research Articles

Insurance Services, Sustainability, and Transformation of Businesses in the Nigerian Informal Sector: A Conceptual Review

ABSTRACT This study explores the impact of insurance services and the sustainability of businesses in the Nigerian informal sector. The analysis relies on extant literature sourced from various sources to develop an understanding of the current trends of insurance services in the Nigerian informal sector and develop a suggested model for improved insurance service delivery in the Nigerian informal sector. Findings show that stakeholder commitment is necessary for better impact of insurance services in the sector. The conclusion emphasizes the possibility of business sustainability through consolidated insurance services among stakeholders in the sector. Part of the suggestion for further research is the need for a wider focus on insurance practices both in the formal and informal sectors of the Nigerian economy. This is coupled with an exploratory view on the impact of policy development on insurance support to business activities in the Nigerian informal sector.

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal Business Sector in Tikapur City, Nepal

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal Business Sector in Tikapur City, Nepal

A Study on Problems of the Street Vendors in Lalbandi Municipality

Due to their lack of education and skills, street vendors are among the most vulnerable and impoverished groups in the urban informal labor market and business sector. They are also unable to obtain permanent positions in the lucrative formal sector. They constantly attempt to use their limited financial means to address the issues affecting their way of life. They serve as the primary distribution routes for a wide range of goods used on a daily basis, including fruits, vegetables, shoes, ready-made clothes, toys, household appliances, stationery, newspapers, and periodicals. A serious dilemma would arise for small-scale businesses that cannot afford to retail their products through pricey formal sector distribution networks, as well as fruit and vegetable growers, if they were to be removed from urban markets. So is found in the case of street vendors of Lalbandi Municipality. Thus, main purpose of conducting this study is to find out the problems faced by street vendors in Lalbandi Municipality. For this, descriptive research design is adopted to explore street vendors’ problems. Out of two hundred seventy-three street vendors of Lalbandi Municipality, thirty street vendors are chosen randomly. The street vendors who sell fruits, vegetables, prepared foods, and household appliances via local vehicles and permanent shelter are the subjects of the current study. The study showed that there is a noteworthy correlation between the issues encountered by the street vendors. The respondents’ general opinion of street sellers and the issues they encountered do not significantly correlate. In nutshell, the street vendors of Lalbandi Municipality have been facing various sorts of problems such as lack of security, price fluctuation, lack of sufficient amount, bribes to the authorities etc. and for that a comprehensive strategy that includes social protection measures, infrastructure and service investments, policy reforms, and initiatives to organize and empower street vendors is needed. Furthermore, the present study is useful to the stakeholders, policy makers and to those who have just started up their small-scale businesses.

Increasing informal sector business, does the impact of regulatory barriers? evidence from the enterprises survey

This study uses survey data from the 2015 World Bank Enterprises Survey of firms operating in 9 provinces in Indonesia. Barriers to doing business in Indonesia for companies are calculated and ranked, and then qualitative methods are used to complete the discussion. This study aims to provide an overview and basis for these constraints so that the central and regional governments can collaborate in making policies that can support the progress of the business world through identification and mapping out barriers to doing business in Indonesia. The aid results show that the main obstacles to doing business in Indonesia in 2015 were the practices of competitors from the informal sector, political instability, and tax rates. The results of this study indicate that since starting a business in Indonesia, firms have been faced with difficulties in obtaining permits that are not in accordance with applicable regulations. For instance, data processing results show that of the firms that apply for business licenses in Indonesia, only 51.41% obtain operating license issuance services following regulations.

The Relationship between Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning among Informal Sector Workers in Randburg, South Africa

Abstract Research background Retirement planning is viewed as one of the cornerstones of long-term household financial security. The responsibility of retirement planning has now been shifted to the individual and is no longer the responsibility of the employer. Purpose This paper examines the link between financial literacy and retirement planning among informal sector traders in the Randburg area of Johannesburg, South Africa. Research methodology A questionnaire approach was used to collect data from 269 randomly selected informal sector respondents. The data was analysed using ordinal regression. Robustness tests were executed using the Wald test. Results Findings reveal that financial literacy is linked to retirement planning, and especially with reference to informal sector workers. Additionally, education, income and the informal business sector were observed to have a positive and significant influence on retirement planning. Novelty The paper contributes to both theoretical and practical discourses on retirement planning for informal sector entrepreneurs which has not received much attention. These results are important for policy makers in retirement planning as well as curriculum development.

Gender-related factors affecting access to TB services and treatment outcomes in the Philippines.

The Philippines is one of the countries with the highest TB burdens. While TB affects men and women differently, studies also show that gender affects people's experience of and access to healthcare. Men and women have usually assigned roles and responsibilities that affect their decisions and health-seeking behaviour. The gender analysis aimed to examine the relationship between gender and access to TB services and treatment outcomes according to five domains: cultural norms and beliefs; patterns of power and decision-making; gender roles and responsibilities; access to resources; laws and policies. The team conducted 19 in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions with project staff, TB coordinators from healthcare facilities, representatives from the private and informal business sector and representatives from the Philippine Department of Health from August to November 2019. Study findings indicated that men faced greater limitations than women in terms of accessing TB resources and services, which highlight the differences between genders in relation to health-seeking behaviours and ability to access healthcare. This demonstrates the importance of integrating a gender lens into the service provision set up, from screening to treating and monitoring, to ensure equitable health benefits for men, women, transgender and gender-diverse persons.

ANALISIS BEBERAPA FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PENDAPATAN SEKTOR INFORMAL USAHA ANGKRINGAN DI KOTA DENPASAR

This study aims to simultaneously or partially analyze multiple factors that affect the informal sector income of Angklingan enterprises in Denpasar city: working capital, working hours and business duration. All data for this study used primary data obtained by distributing questionnaires to 71 interviewees. Samples are determined by random sampling techniques. The analytical technique used is multiple regression analysis. As a result, it was found that working capital, working hours and operating period simultaneously had a significant impact on the informal sector income of Angklingan companies in Denpasar city. Variables such as working capital, working hours and length of operation have had some positive impact on the income of the informal business sector in Denpasar city..
 
 keyword: Angkringan Business, Income, Working Capital, Working Hours, Length of Business

Formalization of Informal Sector Business Enterprises and Accessibility to Social Security Services by Workers in Uganda's Informal Sector

Formalization of Informal Sector Business Enterprises and Accessibility to Social Security Services by Workers in Uganda's Informal Sector

Analisis Peran Modal Sosial oleh Pelaku Usaha Sektor Informal yang Bermitra di Go-Food Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is an area with great potential for the growth of the informal sector. Because this area has many people who are immigrants. LD FEB UI research states that 95% of businesses in the food and beverage sector are growing and the number of go-food transactions is also growing. The increase in go-food partners is because Gojek has the optimism (trust) to help MSMEs grow. This makes researchers want to look further into the analysis of the role of social capital by actors who run food and beverage businesses partnering with Go-Food in Yogyakarta. The object of research is informal sector business actors who sell heavy food in the Province of D.I. Yogyakarta with a focus on the area of Sleman Regency and Yogyakarta City. Researchers used descriptive qualitative methods, with the theory of Miles and Huberman. The results of the study show that the analysis on social capital aspects seen from trust, norms, and networks makes a positive contribution to increasing sales of informal sector actors in Yogyakarta

Female Entrepreneurship and Ghana’s Informal Economy: Prospects and Challenges

This study found that female entrepreneurs dominate the informal business sector, but not the manufacturing sector. Female businesses in the manufacturing sector remained largely at the micro level and failed to transition into the formal sector. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design to purposively sample and interview female entrepreneurs at a Trade Fair organised by the SNV/EU Green Project in the Takoradi Metropolis (from 4th to 10th October 2022) for its supported female entrepreneurs in the Western of Region of Ghana. The study interviewed a total of forty-two respondents (8 of whom were male). The male respondents opted to respond to the same questionnaire as the females, in solidarity with the female SMEs. The study identified barriers to female entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector including the absence of start-up capital, the absence of cheap long-term credit, challenges with business and product registration, the absence of capacity development in entrepreneurship and business development and the lack of general planned support by the government. The study proposes policy recommendations to include start-up support for female manufacturers; entrepreneurship and business development support; purchase of the products of female manufacturers by state agencies as a matter of policy; and the promotion of exposure trips in-country and abroad for female manufacturers to network with others and to learn of new ways to effectively conduct their operations.

Innovative Approaches for Tackling Tax Evasion in the South African Minibus Taxi Industry: Lessons from Ghana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

In South Africa, minibus taxis are a crucial mode of public transport for many commuters and a vital informal business sector with an estimated value of R90 billion. Concerns have been raised that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is not collecting the optimal amount of tax revenue from this industry, with estimated tax collection at only R5 million in 2021. As a result of concerns that this industry might be involved in tax evasion or massive tax avoidance, this study investigates the taxation of minibus taxis in South Africa and explores alternative tax regimes that could be implemented to improve revenue collection. The study compares the current South African turnover tax system for minibus taxi operators to other African tax systems and evaluates a viable alternative tax regime or tax collection system. To improve tax collection from the industry, South Africa could consider a tax system tailored to the industry’s informal nature, utilising metrics such as vehicle seating capacity or distance travelled. A standardised tax system for small, medium, and micro enterprises may not be suitable. Consultation with industry stakeholders is essential for the proposed tax system to be acceptable. The study’s findings could inform South Africa’s National Treasury in creating a tax structure or collection scheme targeting the minibus taxi industry. This could increase tax revenue collection from the industry and support government expenditure, including income and wealth redistribution. This study distinguishes itself from prior publications on the South African minibus taxi industry by addressing tax compliance and collection challenges. It offers recommendations for alternative tax regimes to mitigate these challenges.

ANALISIS FAKTOR – FAKTOR KELELAHAN KERJA PEKERJA MEBEL CV X DI KOTA SEMARANG

The furniture industry is one of the growing informal sector businesses. Public demand for furniture is so great that many furniture production facilities have sprung up. Work fatigue is one of the occupational safety and health problems that is a factor causing accidents at work. One of the potential hazards in this industry is posture, an uncomfortable work environment that will result in decreased performance. From the initial interviews conducted with 4 workers, there were 4 workers complaining of work fatigue caused by one of them being ergonomic and then making a difference in the worker's body posture. There are 5 activities for making furniture, namely rough sanding, fine sanding, assembly, welding and finishing. This study was to analyze the causes of work fatigue in CV X furniture workers in Semarang City. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with an observational approach and is carried out by assessing work posture factors with REBA worksheets and using a reaction timer in August 2022. The main informants involved are 5 workers representing each work activity, while the triangulation informants are 2 people. Research results Based on observations using the REBA method, there are 40% (2 postures) with medium risk (medium risk), 40% (2 postures) with high risk (high risk) and 20% (1 posture) with very high risk (very high risk). high risk). There is a work posture that is immediately investigated and exposed to changes from an ergonomic work position so that there are no work-related diseases or work accidents.

Does Mobile Money Adoption Increase Informal Business Performance in Zambia?

Innovation in digital technology has changed the way firms make business. The objective of this paper is to analyse the effect of mobile money adoption on the performance of informal businesses in Zambia. The data are from the 2019 Zambia Informal Sector Business Survey of the World Bank Group with a sample of 914 firms. An instrumental variable bivariate probit model was used to analyse the data. We find that mobile money use helps significantly improve informal business performance. The finding is robust for different purposes of mobile money use. These results can be attributed to the lower transaction costs and the improved liquidity related to the use of mobile money financial services. An important policy implication is that the use of digital technologies such as mobile money could be a key element for improving informal business performance.

Investigating the E-Readiness of Informal Sector Operators to Utilize Web Technology Portal

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been acknowledged to be an enabler of small businesses, including those in the informal sector. However, determining the relationship between the perception of technology by informal service providers and the readiness to use technology is critical. By adopting a survey research design, this study investigates how the perception of a web technology portal (WTP) by informal sector service providers in the Cape Town metropolitan area in South Africa affects their readiness to use WTP to support their businesses. The study involved a sampled population of 419 informal sector service providers within the Cape Town metropolis. A conceptual framework consisting of constructs from the self-efficacy theory (SET), the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the technology readiness index (TRI) was used as the theoretical reference for the study. We used a semi-structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale to collect data, which we analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that discomfort (p = 0.330), effort expectancy (p = 0.630), innovativeness (p = 0.620), optimism (p = 0.740), insecurity (p = 0.110), facilitating conditions (p = 0.160), and internal factors (p = 0.180) all had a non-significant positive influence on e-readiness. On the other hand, self-efficacy (p < 0.001), performance expectancy (p < 0.030), social influence (p < 0.001), and external factors (p < 0.001) had a significant positive influence on e-readiness. Gender and business type, the moderating variables for respondents’ e-readiness, were found to be insignificant (p > 0.005) for e-readiness for web portal technology utilization. This study identifies the key variables that could influence the readiness of informal sector operators to utilize web portal technology. It also provides a guide for designers and developers of digital platforms and government policymakers on critical factors germane to providing technology support for the informal business sector.

Potensi Bahaya Kerja Pada Pekerja Di Pabrik Tahu Kelurahan Tonja-Denpasar

The informal sector has characteristics such as small-scale business, individual ownership, simple technology, low level of education, and skills of workers: low productivity and relatively low wages. One of the informal sector businesses is the home-based tofu industry. In general, workers at the tofu manufacturing site have not received health insurance and safety guarantees if they suffer from occupational diseases or work accidents. In the process itself, there are many potential occupational hazards that may affect the health level of workers, so it is deemed necessary to socialize potential occupational hazards to workers in the tofu factory. The purpose of this activity is to provide information to informal sector workers, especially workers in factories, to know about the potential work hazards that may occur during work so that they can protect themselves from accidents or occupational diseases. The method used is socialization with workers, followed by discussions to assess workers' understanding of potential hazards during work. Workers understand the potential hazards that may occur in their work environment, so they can protect themselves from accidents or occupational diseases. The socialization of potential occupational hazards to workers in tofu factories as an effort to pay attention to workers in the informal sector has been achieved, so it is hoped that the health and safety of workers is guaranteed

An Assessment of Informal Sector's Business Registration Patterns: Nature and Size among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Lusaka

An Assessment of Informal Sector's Business Registration Patterns: Nature and Size among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Lusaka

‘A foreigner is not a person in this country’: xenophobia and the informal sector in South Africa’s secondary cities

South Africa’s major cities are periodically wracked by large-scale xenophobic violence directed at migrants and refugees from other countries. Informal sector businesses and their migrant owners and employees are particularly vulnerable targets during these attacks. Migrant-owned businesses are also targeted on a regular basis in smaller-scale looting and destruction of property. There is now a large literature on the characteristics and causes of xenophobic violence and attitudes in South Africa, most of it based on quantitative and qualitative research in the country’s major metropolitan areas. One of the consequences of big-city xenophobia has been a search for alternative markets and safer spaces by migrants, including relocating to the country’s many smaller urban centres. The question addressed in this paper is whether they are welcomed in these cities and towns or subject to the same kinds of victimization as in large cities. This paper is the first to systematically examine this question by focusing on a group of towns in Limpopo Province and the experiences of migrants in the informal sector there. Through survey evidence and in-depth interviews and focus groups with migrant and South African vendors, the paper demonstrates that xenophobia is also pervasive in these smaller centres, in ways that both echo and differ from that in the large cities. The findings in this paper have broader significance for other countries attempting to deal with the rise of xenophobia.

Fishing Tourism of Conflict Area in South Kalimantan

Wetland areas are rich with inland fisheries potential. However, the entry of oil palm plantations has threatened the existence of wetland ecosystems. Community rejection of the entry of oil palm plantations has created conflict between the two parties. Even though it is in a conflict area, the fishery potential has encouraged the development of fishing tourism which invites local tourists. The development of fishing tourism in wetlands not on contributes to the rotation of the rural economy and the study of social sciences. This study aims to determine the driving factors for the development of fishing tourism and their contribution to the community's economy. The research method used is qualitative research locations are villages that develop fishing tourism in South Kalimantan Province. Interviews were conducted with fish well owners, anglers, formal and non-formal figures, and community members who have businesses around fishing locations. The informants were 64 people. Observations were made of fishing objects. Document studies and audio-visual recordings were carried out regarding the activities of anglers. Data analysis uses an emic perspective, so an overview of fishing tourism from the point of view of the research subject. The results of the study show that the driving factors for the development of fishing tourism are wetland ecosystems as freshwater fish habitats and open road access, both opened by oil palm plantation companies and local governments. The development of this new type of business has contributed to the owners of fish wells and the informal business sector around fishing grounds. The conclusion is that fishing tourism can still be developed even though it is in a conflict area. The implication is the occurrence of economic cycles in rural areas and the sustainability of natural resources.

The Socio-Economic Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on the South African Informal Economy

The informal business sector in many developing economies is often seen as a driver of economic growth due to the role that this sector plays in the creation of employment opportunities, increasing the social activities of its communities, and providing business opportunities for rural entrepreneurs. The informal economy has been known to be insulated from macro-economic volatility in the global markets, but this could be an oversight on the part of the national government as they have not taken this sector into account when determining GDP or strategic imperatives to bolster the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic showcased how unprepared many economies were in the face of harsh government-imposed lockdowns and the resultant job losses that occurred due to individuals being unable to go to work. The South African government, whilst acknowledging the informal sector and the subsequent economic and social role it plays, lacks the necessary policy framework and enablement of this sector, as well as a platform that enables the continuation of business practices for informal traders that will protect them from the daunting impacts of a pandemic or another global catastrophe. The purpose of this study is to comprehend and analyse the socio-economic ramifications of the COVID-19 epidemic and its impact on the informal economy in South Africa. To do so, the study utilises discourse analysis and which is carried out using a secondary data collection approach. Theses for master's and doctoral degrees, papers presented at conferences, policy documents, government gazettes, statistical data from governments, and reports from international organizations are all taken into consideration. Articles published in scientific journals that have been subject to the process of peer review are also taken into account. According to the findings of the study, in order to protect the informal sector from unforeseen disasters in the future, it is recommended that policies and protection mechanisms be put into place.

Analisis Perkembangan Umkm Sektor Informal Kota Blitar Akibat Dampak Pandemi Covid-19

This research is entitled "Analysis of the Development of MSMEs in the Informal Sector of Blitar City Due to the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic". The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Blitar City caused the informal sector business to experience a decline in turnover due to a decrease in sales. Some of the informal sectors, especially those based on food and beverages, were disrupted due to delays in the distribution of raw materials and decreased production capacity due to the implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM) in the city of Blitar.
 The purpose of this study is to analyze the development of MSMEs in the informal sector of Blitar City due to the impact of the covid-19 pandemic, to determine the extent to which business actors persist in financial and capital problems in the informal business sector of Blitar City due to the impact of the covid-19 pandemic and to determine the influence and effectiveness of government policies. for the micro and informal business sectors that have been carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic.
 The method used in this study is a qualitative method using the mills and hubberman methods.
 Based on the results of the study, it shows that the condition of the informal sector business in the city of Blitar in 2020 experienced a temporary cessation of operations and those that were still surviving experienced a decline in turnover. Meanwhile, in 2021 it was found that there were a small number of informal sector businesses that stopped permanently, but for informal sector businesses that were still surviving, there was an increase in turnover. Furthermore, related to capital assistance from the government in the form of BPUM, direct assistance and KUR have not been evenly received by business actors in the informal sector, so that on average they still survive using their own capital. Finally, it can be said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, informal sector businesses were not significantly affected.