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The impact of COVID-19 on urban informal workers in Maputo

Author

Listed:
  • Nilifer Anaç
  • Eva-Maria Egger
  • Sam Jones
  • Ricardo Santos
  • Alex Warren-Rodriguez

Abstract

Informal self-employed traders in developing countries are vulnerable to shocks as they often lack access to social insurance or formal finance. This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these urban traders in the capital of Mozambique, Maputo. Drawing on longitudinal phone survey data over six months, we find they experienced significant negative shocks to earnings, leading to a reduction in savings as well as worsening food security and assets.

Suggested Citation

  • Nilifer Anaç & Eva-Maria Egger & Sam Jones & Ricardo Santos & Alex Warren-Rodriguez, 2022. "The impact of COVID-19 on urban informal workers in Maputo," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2022-173, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2022-173
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rosario Betho & Marcia Chelengo & Sam Jones & Michael Keller & Ibraimo Hassane Mussagy & Dirk van Seventer & Finn Tarp, 2022. "The macroeconomic impact of COVID‐19 in Mozambique: A social accounting matrix approach," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(4), pages 823-860, May.
    2. World Bank, 2021. "Mozambique Economic Update, February 2021," World Bank Publications - Reports 35214, The World Bank Group.
    3. Tschirley, David L. & Nijhoff, Jan J. & Arlindo, Pedro & Mwiinga, Billy & Weber, Michael T. & Jayne, Thomas S., 2006. "Anticipating and Responding to Drought Emergencies in Southern Africa: Lessons from the 2002-2003 Experience," Food Security International Development Working Papers 54564, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
    4. David Lawson & Ibrahim Kasirye, 2013. "How The Extreme Poor Cope With Crises: Understanding The Role Of Assets And Consumption," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 25(8), pages 1129-1143, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; Informal; Urban; Informal work; Mozambique;
    All these keywords.

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