Work

Making a Living in African Cities: The Role of Home-based Enterprises in Accra and Pretoria

Year: 2003

Type: article

Abstract: As formal sector employment becomes an increasingly remote prospect for many Africans, the importance of informal income-generating activities which operate from the home are being recognized. This paper compares and contrasts home-based enterprises (HBEs) in low-income settlements in Accra and Pretoria. It analyses which types of enterprises operate, their contribution to household livelihoods, and the limits to growth that they face. It is shown how in both cities HBEs are widespread, provide an important place of work especially for women, and contribute significantly to household income. Despite these similarities, the HBEs are operating in differing circumstances with the fear of violence and property crime being a prominent aspect of South African HBEs whilst being negligible in Ghana.

Source: International Planning Studies

DOI: 10.1080/1356347032000153115

Authors: KATHERINE V. GOUGH, A. GRAHAM TIPPLE, MARK NAPIER

Institutions: University of Copenhagen, Newcastle University, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Language: English

Topic: Urban and Rural Development Challenges

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2116904294

FWCI: 5.592

Cites: 18

Cited by: 87

Related to: 10