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Abstract: This paper describes how due to lack of formal job opportunities, e-waste scavenging has emerged as a major livelihood (survival) strategy for a rapidly growing urban population. It documents how the process has been fueled by neo-liberal economic policies adopted since 1983 that not only failed to create a "vibrant urban economy" but also exacerbated the unemployment and under-employment rates and created a general economic crisis. The study relied on both qualitative and quantitative data as well as discussions and interviews with stakeholders, affected, and interested persons to provide data for analysis. The paper explores the various aspects of their work: economic, financial, environmental and social. Since the equipment has both pollution and resource potentials, the need for proper control and monitoring of the informal handling and recycling practice is highlighted. The study calls for the formalization of the informal activity not only to sustain the livelihood for the urban poor but also for efficient e-waste management.
Introduction
Many individuals within urban space, especially in developing nations, have adopted multiple and diverse means of seeking a livelihood. One such strategy is e-waste scavenging that has in recent years attracted many diverse disciples. The situation is aggravated in Ghana where years of economic decline resulted in the institution of the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) that was negotiated with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This culminated in trade liberalization, privatization of state-owned enterprises, removal of government subsidies, and retrenchment, among other "austerity" measures.1 The shrinkage in the formal economy was further propelled by neo-liberal globalization, increasing unemployment levels, and a weakening of government's capacity to respond to growing poverty.2 These challenges assumed a pivotal position in defining the contemporary urban change. The substantial cuts in expenditure on social services and the introduction of service charges on health care, electricity etc affected the basic livelihoods of many individuals and households.3 Many had to depend on "survival industries" for livelihood and according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) (2002) more than 50 percent of the urban workforce in sub-Saharan Africa is engaged in this informal sector.
In Ghana, the private sector remains the largest employer, accounting for two-thirds (66.7 percent) of employment, with 28.5 percent in formal public sector employment.4 This realization is...