Resilience & Risk in the Informal Sector: Responses to Economic & Security Risks of COVID-19 in Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria Entrepreneurship & Private Sector Development

Resilience & Risk in the Informal Sector: Responses to Economic & Security Risks of COVID-19 in Lagos, Nigeria

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Researchers

Jessica Gottlieb, Adrienne LeBas

Abstract

Researchers are conducting a series of phone surveys to study the economic, social and security impacts of COVID-19 among informal sector vendors in Lagos, Africa’s largest city (with a population of more than 24 million). The survey capitalizes on prior work with a representative sample of market vendors, making rapid data collection at a distance feasible among this otherwise hard-to-reach population. Their experiences are indicative of those of a large and particularly vulnerable subset of the population in Africa–actors in the urban informal economy–who live day to day and whose economic activities will be deeply impacted by the crisis. These individuals can face economic risk and other personal risks. The surveys will collect information about these risks, and strategies by vendors and their marketplace associations to mitigate risks. Researchers are measuring whether some groups, ethnic minorities and women in particular, are differentially vulnerable, and others differentially resilient. The aim of the project is to inform policymakers about the distribution of needs among informal vendors as well as which groups are more likely to demand and take up state-provided services.

Project Outcomes of Interest

Economic, social and security impacts of COVID-19 among informal sector vendors

Partners

Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

Key Findings

Round 1 (May 2020 survey) Results Brief:

  • The economic impact of COVID-19 has been especially severe for members of the informal economy.
  • Risk and resilience among this population are unequal.
  • Identity, not poverty, is the most important driver of risk and resilience among vendors in Lagos.
  • The crisis has also increased social polarization among groups.

Washington Post article: "How the coronavirus pandemic is fueling ethnic hatred."

Link to Results

Full report from Survey Wave 1


 

Impact Goals

  • Build resilient and adaptable businesses and employment opportunities
  • Improve social-safety net responses
  • Promote peace and safety, and improve humanitarian response

Link to Pre-Registration

https://osf.io/kca3z

Results Status

Results

Results

Final results are forthcoming