Exploring the connections between green economy and informal economy in South Africa

Theme Institutions and governance structures for SD Track Global Governance Justification of the paper The informal economy is a vibrant and growing phenomenon, offering both opportunities and lessons on resilience and... [ view full abstract ]

Theme
Institutions and governance structures for SD

Track
Global Governance

Justification of the paper
The informal economy is a vibrant and growing phenomenon, offering both opportunities and lessons on resilience and innovation. Within the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, connecting the green economy to the informal economy is imperative. The initial investigation indicated an absence of literature that connected the two fields. By overlooking the informal sector, policy and planning initiatives are not fully engaged with the real everyday experiences and activities of those living in the survivalist economy, leading to a narrow conception of an ‘inclusive green economy’.

Purpose
This paper analysed the notion of an ‘inclusive green economy’ for South Africa with regard to its engagement with the informal economy, whilst exploring the range of possible connections, and identifying a number of barriers, opportunities and possible support mechanisms at different levels of organisation.

Theoretical framework
The informal economy constitutes up to 72% of employment in sub-Saharan Africa, leading authors such as Chen (2012), Musyoki (2013) and Chambwera et al. (2011) to suggest that interventions in the informal economy offers great opportunity for sustainable and ‘just’ development, as it may help uplift the poorest and most disenfranchised.

Results and conclusions
The results indicate that despite a number of potential connections, the level and quality of engagement are generally inadequate. It is therefore argued that an inclusive green economy in the South African context requires a new ‘lens’ for considering the role and value of the informal economy.

Implications for Tipping Points
A broader conceptualisation of ‘inclusive green economy’ may lead to a more informed and enabling policy and planning environment, which may be more conducive to socially equitable and environmentally sustainable development.

Key words
Inclusive green economy, Informal economy, South Africa