COVID-19 Crisis and the Informal Economy: Informal Workers in Ahmedabad, India

Abstract

COVID-19 Crisis and the Informal Economy is a WIEGO-led 12-city longitudinal study that assesses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on specific groups of informal workers and their households, using a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Round 1 assessed the impact of the crisis in April 2020 (the period of peak restrictions in most cities) and in June/July 2020 (when restrictions had been eased in most cities) in comparison to February 2020 (pre-COVID-19). Round 2 will assess continuing impacts versus signs of recovery in the first half of 2021, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period and Round 1.

In Ahmedabad, the study was carried out in partnership with the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA): specifically, with the research team of SEWA’s Indian Academy of Self-Employed Women and some grassroots researchers from the SEWA Union. The research team surveyed 250 informal workers from four sectors who are members of SEWA. They also interviewed eight informal worker leaders and four other key informants from government and academia.

This report presents the summary findings of Round 1 of the study in Ahmedabad City, India.