Occupational and environmental health risks associated with informal sector activities—Selected case studies from West Africa

Niladri Basu, Paul Ahoumènou Ayelo, Luc S. Djogbénou, Marius Kedoté, Herve Lawin, Honesty Tohon, Elizabeth O. Oloruntoba, Nurudeen A. Adebisi, Danielle Cazabon, Julius Fobil, Thomas Robins, Benjamin Fayomi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Most in the Economic Community of West African States region are employed in the informal sector. While the informal sector plays a significant role in the region’s economy, policymakers and the scientific community have long neglected it. To better understand informal-sector work conditions, the goal here is to bring together researchers to exchange findings and catalyze dialogue. The article showcases research studies on several economic systems, namely agriculture, resource extraction, transportation, and trade/commerce. Site-specific cases are provided concerning occupational health risks within artisanal and small-scale gold mining, aggregate mining, gasoline trade, farming and pesticide applications, and electronic waste recycling. These cases emphasize the vastness of the informal sector and that the majority of work activities across the region remain poorly documented, and thus no data or knowledge is available to help improve conditions and formulate policies and programs to promote and ensure decent work conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)253-270
Number of pages18
JournalNew Solutions
Volume26
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2016

Keywords

  • Hazard identification
  • Informal economy
  • Informal sector
  • Occupational health
  • Public health
  • Risk assessment

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