Is better to be a kayayei than to be unemployed: reflecting on the role of head portering in ghana’s informal economy

Abstract

The implementation of neoliberal economic reforms with its resultant effects on rural agricultural economies has facilitated the migration of young girls from northern to southern Ghana to seek for alternative livelihoods in the urban informal economy as head porters (Kayayei). Using semistructured questionnaires and interviews with 45 Kayayei in Makola and Agbogbloshie Markets, Accra, this study examines how migration as a livelihood strategy contributes to an improvement in the living conditions of young girls and their families. The paper also looks more closely into the pathways through which the livelihoods of these young female migrants may contribute to local economic development. The study highlights that Kayayei contribute to local economic development through market exchange and revenue generation, also there is significant perceived positive impact of head portering on standard of living of these young girls through improved access to income, health care and asset accumulation while their families benefit from remittances. The study concludes by advocating for the need to provide access to credit and skills training in enhancing the livelihood of Kayayei.

Is women empowerment a zero sum game? Unintended consequences of microfinance for women’s empowerment in Ghana

“…Case studies in Asia indicate that access to micro-finance enhances women's economic independence and bargaining powers, but the positive impacts are often limited and hindered by a culture of patriarchy pervasive in Asia (Kulkarni, 2011). Similarly, in African countries such as Ghana, women's inability to contribute to household income is due to their weaker financial and social position within society (Agyei, et al, 2016). Therefore, it is argued that access to microfinance, in addition to offering employment, may also improve female psychological and social empowerment (Ganle, et al 2015;Seidu and Bambangi, 2007).…”

Collecting data from migrants in Ghana: Lessons learned using respondent-driven sampling

“…Prior studies on kayayei report concerns with the representativeness of their samples (Opare 2003;Yeboah 2010;Addai 2011;Oberhauser and Yeboah 2011;Agyei, Kumi, and Yeboah 2016). To improve representativeness in this study and minimize known sources of nonparticipation bias, the formative research phase discussed past studies' sampling challenges (Table 5) and potential solutions.…”

Agriculture and Kayaye (Head Porterage) Menace in Ghana: A Case of Policy or Structural Failure?

“…The migrants are largely uneducated, unskilled or school drop-outs from rural agricultural communities from the three Northern regions (Upper East, Upper West and Northern). Kumasi, Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi are the most patronized cities for these migrants (Agyei et al, 2016). For consistency, we will stick to 'kayaye' (kayayee, plural).…”

“…In this context, it can be concluded that, even though females form the majority of migrants for the kayaye business, some male counterparts do also migrate. The records on the population of the Kayayee are lacking as there has been few surveys done on them (Agyei et al, 2016). However their growing presence in the bigger cities gives an indication of their influx.…”

“…According to Kearney (2013), there are an estimated 160,000 Kayayee in the capital city (Accra) alone, with an annual 15,000 addition from the Northern regions. The evidence of increasing patronage of this business is not only in the increasing numbers in the old cities but their spread to new cities, like Koforidua (Agyei et al, 2016).…”