Part of the groundbreaking Africa Now series, Africa's Informal Workers explores the deepening processes of informalization and casualization of work that are changing livelihood opportunities and conditions in Africa and beyond. In doing so, the book addresses the collectively organized responses to these changes, presenting them as an important dimension of the contemporary politics of informality in Africa. It goes beyond the usual focus on household 'coping strategies' and individual forms of agency, by addressing the growing number of collective organizations through which informal 'workers' make themselves visible and articulate their demands and interests. The emerging picture is that of a highly diverse landscape of organised actors, reflecting the great diversity of interests in the informal economy. This provides grounds for tensions but also opportunities for alliance. The book also explores the novel trend of transnational organizing by informal workers, gathering case studies from nine countries and cities across Sub-Saharan Africa, and from sectors ranging from urban informal vending and service delivery, to informal manufacturing, casual port work and cross-border trade.Africa's Informal Workers is a vigorous and timely examination of the changes in African livelihoods caused by deep and ongoing economic, political and social transformations.

The devastating impact of disasters on the world s population is on the increase, influenced by climate change, urbanization, and persistent high levels of poverty, among other factors. There is a growing demand for reconstruction at scale. This book asks whether large-scale reconstruction can be participatory and developmental; can rebuilding be truly people-centered, contributing to breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence? Can reconstruction reduce people s vulnerability to disasters and other shocks? "Building Back Better" examines the context for reconstruction, and shows how developments in the fields of housing, participation and livelihoods have changed and enriched approaches to reconstruction. It goes on to explore the practice of implementing large-scale reconstruction through in-depth case studies of recent programs in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia and India. Finally, an analysis of selected projects in six additional countries over a longer period of time adds other relevant issues to people-centered reconstruction at scale. The book intends to inform policy, program design, practice and evaluation. It will be of interest to agencies regularly involved in reconstruction, to consultants and specialists involved, to aid agencies, to the authorities in countries regularly faced with disasters, as well as to students, academics and researchers."

Part of the groundbreaking Africa Now series, "Africa's Informal Workers" explores the deepening processes of informalization and casualization of work that are changing livelihood opportunities and conditions in Africa and beyond. In doing so, the book addresses the collectively organized responses to these changes, presenting them as an important dimension of the contemporary politics of informality in Africa. It goes beyond the usual focus on household 'coping strategies' and individual forms of agency, by addressing the growing number of collective organizations through which informal 'workers' make themselves visible and articulate their demands and interests. The emerging picture is that of a highly diverse landscape of organised actors, reflecting the great diversity of interests in the informal economy. This provides grounds for tensions but also opportunities for alliance. The book also explores the novel trend of transnational organizing by informal workers, gathering case studies from nine countries and cities across Sub-Saharan Africa, and from sectors ranging from urban informal vending and service delivery, to informal manufacturing, casual port work and cross-border trade."Africa's Informal Workers" is a vigorous and timely examination of the changes in African livelihoods caused by deep and ongoing economic, political and social transformations.