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The Informal Sector Facing COVID-19: The Case of Cameroon

Author

Listed:
  • Faustine Kede Ndouna

    (Applied Microeconomic Research Center (REMA), Dschang School of Economics, University of Dschang, Dschang P.O. Box 96, Cameroon)

  • Roger Tsafack Nanfosso

    (Department of Economy and Management, University of Dschang, Dschang P.O. Box 96, Cameroon)

  • Jean Aristide Biloa Essimi

    (Faculty of Applied Economics and Management, University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 1872, Cameroon)

  • Laurent-Fabrice Ambassa

    (Laboratory of Economics and Applied Theories (LETA), University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 1872, Cameroon)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effects of COVID-19 on actors in the informal economy in Cameroon. To analyze the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on actors in the informal economy, we use secondary data from the National Institute of Statistics (NIS). These data come from a survey of 1310 households. We performed data analysis using comparative methods and a labor market participation model that considers changes in people’s behavior towards health risks in order to explore and compare empirical results with earlier studies. From this analysis, it was revealed that job losses are more important in the informal sector (and, in particular, among men). We note that the absence of wearing a mask decreases the chances of having an informal job and of being suspended from one’s job during the crisis. Likewise, time restrictions that are not appreciated by workers will push actors more towards the informal sector. These results lead to recommendations that contribute towards providing support or direct support to informal workers in the sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Faustine Kede Ndouna & Roger Tsafack Nanfosso & Jean Aristide Biloa Essimi & Laurent-Fabrice Ambassa, 2021. "The Informal Sector Facing COVID-19: The Case of Cameroon," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:23:p:13269-:d:691905
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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