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Challenges and opportunities of the COVID-19 pandemic on women entrepreneurs operating in the informal food sector: A post COVID-19 analyses

Author

Listed:
  • Gift Donga

    (University of Fort Hare)

  • Tendai Chimucheka

    (University of Fort Hare)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the challenges and opportunities of the COVID-19 pandemic for women entrepreneurs operating in the informal food sector. An exploratory qualitative approach is used to guide the collection and analysis of data which were collected from a sample of twenty women entrepreneurs. Verbatim transcriptions of digital recordings were analyzed thematically. The findings of the study indicate that women experienced the worst economic effects of the pandemic and faced a range of challenges, such as decreased customer base and demand, loss of income, lack of government and private support, safety and security fears, disrupted supply chains, and requirement for trading permits. Whereas the opportunities encompassed usage of digital technologies, alternative markets and new product offerings, and establishment of Informal women business networks. From the study findings, it is hence vital that policies acknowledge the importance of women and informal food vendors in the nation's informal food system. Key Words:women entrepreneurs, challenges and opportunities, covid-19, informal food sector

Suggested Citation

  • Gift Donga & Tendai Chimucheka, 2024. "Challenges and opportunities of the COVID-19 pandemic on women entrepreneurs operating in the informal food sector: A post COVID-19 analyses," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 13(2), pages 216-228, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:13:y:2024:i:2:p:216-228
    DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v13i2.3168
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