THE ROLE OF URBAN MARKET TRADE IN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES

The term informality raises definitional problems for economic activities and employment.It is defined negatively which blurs the positive side to it. The debate on informal economy may continue indefinitely so long as individuals in developing countries struggle to earn a living in a dwindling or non-existing formal employment sector. This book explores urban marketing in Ghana in relation to incomes and autonomy at the household levels and in relation to political and development processes at the local level. Market trade in Ghana offers social, political and economic life to many women who find themselves in the informal economy. It forms the main occupation for over 70% of urban women who are the main bread winners of urban households but they continue to be marginalized by formal institutions including local governments.