Work

The aftermath of eviction in the Nigerian informal economy

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: This article examines the mechanisms through which street traders claim and maintain access to urban space in the aftermath of eviction – a phenomenon that affects poor urban workers across the global South. Whilst much is known about the immediate impacts of evictions, there has been limited consideration of the post-eviction, longer-term responses of traders. Drawing on primary research in Lagos, Nigeria, this article analyses street trader responses to eviction, with a focus on their strategies for claiming access to space. The study highlights the importance of both individual and collective actions in re-establishing a foothold in public space. However, maintaining access to public space proved to be more problematic, with collective action severely diminished through the co-option of trader associations by urban authorities. This new knowledge has the potential to strengthen the resilience of traders to future evictions and their potentially devastating impacts.

Source: International Development Planning Review

DOI: 10.3828/idpr.2018.30

Authors: Ademola O. Omoegun, Peter Mackie, Alison Brown

Institutions: University of Cape Town, Cardiff University

Language: English

Topic: Urban and Rural Development Challenges

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

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

Open Access status: green

Funder: Economic and Social Research Council