Sustainable Urban Livelihoods and Marketplace Social Capital: Crisis and Strategy in Petty Trade

Abstract:
This article analyses the significance that social capital has for economic sustainability of market traders in Senegal and Ghana. Two types of organizations are briefly analysed in terms of their membership benefits as experienced by the members: savings groups and welfare or market associations. It was noted that membership of the savings associations attracted some of the most vulnerable groups. The members appreciated the financial benefits of the membership, but felt that nearly as important were the social ties to fellow members. The social benefits of a membership, i.e. the opportunity to make friends in the marketplace, were seen as the most important reason for joining a welfare association. Access to information and decision making were also seen as important reasons, followed by the possible financial benefits. It is then argued that these groups are significant for their members‟ social and economic capital, simultaneously facilitating trading and socialising in the marketplace.