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The Informal Sector in Jinja, Uganda: Implications of Formalization and Regulation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 October 2013

Sarah Lince
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Abstract:

This article examines two policies targeting the informal open-air market and fishing sectors in Jinja, Uganda. The informal sector has grown to become a significant source of livelihood for people in growing cities such as Jinja. At the same time, development policies have become increasingly concerned with encouraging formalization as well as the participation of local stakeholders in governance and decision-making. While there has been much debate about the potential impacts of formalizing previously informal, unregulated, unpermitted activities, the implications of these policies for informal vendors and fishers have received less attention. Despite their promises of addressing previous marginalization, the patterns of participation and formalization enforced by these two policies in Uganda have reduced the control of these individuals over their own livelihoods, as well as intensifying contestations of local authority and jurisdiction over resources.

Résumé:

Résumé:

Cet essai examine deux mesures ciblant le marché ouvert informel et les secteurs de la pêche à Jinja, en Ouganda. Le secteur informel est devenu une source importante de revenus pour les gens dans les villes en croissance comme Jinja. Simultanément, les efforts de régulation ainsi que la participation d'actionnaires locaux sont devenus une priorité de développement et de planification politique. Bien qu'il y ait eu beaucoup de débats concernant les conséquences potentielles sur le marché de la régulation d'activités au préalable non régulées ou autorisées, les implications pour les commerçants et les pêcheurs non régulés n'ont pas été considérées avec autant d'intérêt. En dépit des promesses de prise en compte des problèmes antérieurs de la marginalisation, les modes de formalisation et de participation régulés par ces mesures ont réduit le controle que ces individus peuvent avoir sur leurs moyens d'existence et leur futur. Ces mesures ont aussi fait augmenter les contestations de l'autorité locale et de la juridiction des ressources.

Type
Research Article
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 54 , Issue 2 , September 2011 , pp. 73 - 93
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2011

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