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Zugl.: Siegen, Univ., Diss., 2008

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2008. Graduate Programme in Political Science. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 144-151). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR51562

This study focuses on the situational analysis of the informal sector in the three major cities in Malawi. An extensive literature study was undertaken to understand the origin of the informal sector and how it has grown in the business environment to which it is exposed in Malawi. This understanding was essential because it formed the basis for conducting the whole research. A sample of four respondent groups, namely government officials, industry representatives, the shop owners and the informal sector participants themselves was drawn, and personal interviews conducted. The purpose of the interviews of the first three respondent groups was to discover their perception of the informal sector in Malawi. This perception was vital for it was clear that these groups influenced government policies much more than the populace. The informal sector participants themselves were interviewed to learn how the informal sector operated, its scope and benefits, why it was growing and how successful it was in the three major cities of Malawi. The results show that there were mixed feelings among the people in each of the four respondent groups. Although many of the government officials were positive, mainly because the President of Malawi and other politicians promote the informal sector publicly, they still believe there is a need to control the sector's operations. The industries and shops that benefit from the informal sector are positive while the others are not. More than 80 percent of the informal sector participants are making a comfortable livelihood through their activities. The lack of employment and the desire to survive were found to be the two issues that enhance the growth of the informal sector in Malawi. The participants could further expand their activities if suitable loans were made available. A coordinating organization within this sector has emerged and is controlling the sector's activities. However, further research is required into the size and contribution of this sector to Malawi's economy. / Development Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Development Studies)

M.Com. (Economics) / The motivation for this study has its origin in the observation that informal sector activities in South Africa had increased significantly since the nineteen-eighties. The initial interest was stimulated by the desire to discover more about the nature and extent of the informal sector, as well as the effects it is having on employment, income generation, policy making and general economic equilibrium. Investigating the occurrence of informal sector activities in the developed countries, the centrally directed economies and the Third World countries led to the conclusion that the different definitions for informal sector activities, the nature of such activities and the reasons why people become involved in such activities, differ from country to country. In South Africa it was observed that the formal sector's inability to create sufficient employment opportunities for all its citizens led to more and more people joining the informal sector. As far as the nature of the informal sector is concerned it was found that a variety of economic activities are being carried out, the most important being trade and hawking. The highest concentration of participants were found in the Natal/KwaZulu area. Marginally more male than female participants were involved in this sector. Most participants were younger than 40 years of age. Participants worked long hours and frequently have to provide a service for seven days a week. Most undertakings were operated solely by the participant or with the assistance of family members, employees are only employed in exceptional cases. participants experienced great problems in obtaining finance and appropriate accommodation. Little research had been done so far to identify and quantify the involvement of Whites in the informal sector...

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Dept. of Economics, August 2001. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.A.)--West Virginia University, 2000. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iv, 86 p. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 78-79).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 239-245).

Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

This study focuses on the situational analysis of the informal sector in the three major cities in Malawi. An extensive literature study was undertaken to understand the origin of the informal sector and how it has grown in the business environment to which it is exposed in Malawi. This understanding was essential because it formed the basis for conducting the whole research. A sample of four respondent groups, namely government officials, industry representatives, the shop owners and the informal sector participants themselves was drawn, and personal interviews conducted. The purpose of the interviews of the first three respondent groups was to discover their perception of the informal sector in Malawi. This perception was vital for it was clear that these groups influenced government policies much more than the populace. The informal sector participants themselves were interviewed to learn how the informal sector operated, its scope and benefits, why it was growing and how successful it was in the three major cities of Malawi. The results show that there were mixed feelings among the people in each of the four respondent groups. Although many of the government officials were positive, mainly because the President of Malawi and other politicians promote the informal sector publicly, they still believe there is a need to control the sector's operations. The industries and shops that benefit from the informal sector are positive while the others are not. More than 80 percent of the informal sector participants are making a comfortable livelihood through their activities. The lack of employment and the desire to survive were found to be the two issues that enhance the growth of the informal sector in Malawi. The participants could further expand their activities if suitable loans were made available. A coordinating organization within this sector has emerged and is controlling the sector's activities. However, further research is required into the size and contribution of this sector to Malawi's economy. / Development Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Development Studies)