Exploring the connections between green economy and informal economy in South Africa
Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa
Abstract
The notion of an inclusive green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication
requires an approach that engages with the informal economy. However, the informal economy is generally
ignored or undervalued in discussions on the green economy. This paper set out to bolster this argument
by identifying the ways in which the green economy and the informal economy may be connected by
establishing the extent to which policies and plans relating to green economy connect with the informal
economy, and recognising several informal green activities. The barriers and opportunities for connecting
the two spheres were also explored as well as possible ways in which such activities may be supported at
different levels of organisation. In the case of South Africa, many informal green activities that contribute to
sustainable livelihoods are recognised. However, issues pertaining to procedure, process and participation
hinder the transition to a truly inclusive green economy.
Description
CITATION: Smit, S. & Musango, J. K. 2015. Exploring the connections between green economy and informal economy in South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 111(11-12): 1-10, doi: 10.17159/sajs.2015/20140435.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajs.co.za
The original publication is available at http://www.sajs.co.za
Keywords
Informal sector (Economics), Sustainable living, Environmental economics, Sustainable development, Poverty eradication, Environmental policy -- South Africa
Citation
Smit, S. & Musango, J. K. 2015. Exploring the connections between green economy and informal economy in South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 111(11-12): 1-10, doi: 10.17159/sajs.2015/20140435