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The intent of this qualitative study was assessing the overall livelihoods situation of MSE operators specifically by examining their issues related to context, capital assets, role of institutions, policies and processes, and finally the livelihood outcomes of working in MSEs. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews, focused group discussion, and non-participant observations, while subsequent analysis was done in light of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. The studied operators were vulnerable to many contextual factors, consequently had unequal access to and levels of various types of capital assets. A number of formal and informal governmental, non-governmental, private and commercial institutions have played helpful/hindering role during the establishment and operation of the enterprises. It was found that the problems challenging the targeted MSEs were market, institution, operator, MSE and society-related. The study mainly suggests such measures as alleviating the market problem of the MSEs; improving the provision and current state of public infrastructures; and increasing the capacity of executives and the operators themselves.
About the author
Currently a PhD candidate at Tilburg University, The Netherlands, Lecturer at the Department of Public Administration and Development Management of Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He obtained BA in Public Administration and Development Management in 2005 and MA in Urban Development and Urban Challenges in East Africa in 2011.
