Abstract

The stagnation of the modern sector of Togo's economy, caused by the country's financial difficulties, has led the authorities to take a closer look at what is called the "informal sector". In this context, the direction de la Statistique will undertake a study of the country's northern areas which, by way of a sample survey of the trades and crafts, will reveal the difficulties confronting artisans, such as: access to credit, supply and sales problems, training needs, etc. The results of this project will be useful to all those concerned with the promotion of trades: government, banks, the craftsmen themselves, etc., and, may stimulate similar interest in other countries of the region seeking to create jobs and currency.

Post-Project Summary

Researchers conducted a survey of 6 739 artisans in urban and semi-urban areas of Kara and Savannas regions, and a more in-depth survey of 1 365 of them. The in- depth survey dealt with the socio-cultural characteristics of the artisans, the economic activities of the artisans, the contribution of their work to the local economy, the advantages and disadvantages of working as an artisan, and the spirit of entrepreneurship in the informal sector. The survey dealt with 80 trades divided into six categories: food; building; wood and furnishings; metal, mechanics, and electricity; leather, textiles, and clothing; and hygiene and miscellaneous. A seminar attended by the researchers, representatives from various ministries and non- government organizations (users of the data), as well as representatives of the artisans, was held at Kara. The seminar served as a forum for releasing the survey data and for developing recommendations of a general nature where training, production, marketing and management are concerned.

Recipient Institution(s)