2011年-世界发展银行全球_Raising_Productivity_and_Reducing_the_Risk_of_Household_Enterprises___Ghana_Country_Study_14页_425kb

Summary of the Ghana Country Study on Household Enterprises

Core Content

This policy note presents the findings of a two-year study on household enterprises (HEs) in Ghana, conducted by the World Bank on behalf of the National Committee on the Informal Economy (NCIE). The study aimed to understand the role of HEs in economic growth and poverty reduction, identify constraints to their productivity and growth, and propose policy recommendations to support their development.

HEs are defined as small businesses engaged in nonfarm activities, operated by a single individual or with the help of family members and up to five non-family workers. They are a vital source of employment and income for many households, especially in rural areas where they often complement family farming. Despite their importance, HEs face several challenges that limit their productivity and growth potential.

Main Findings

Importance of HEs in the Economy

• HEs contribute significantly to employment, particularly in nonfarm sectors.
• In 2006, about 1 million jobs were created by HEs, representing approximately 35.7% of new jobs.
• Over 92.6% of non-farm self-employment enterprises were HEs, with the majority (72%) operated by a single individual.
• HEs are more common in rural areas, often as a complement to agriculture.

Sector Distribution

• The most common HE activities in 2005/06 were trading and manufacturing.
• Trading decreased from 55% in 1991/2 to 40% in 2005/06.
• Urban HEs are more likely to engage in services such as vehicle repair, transport, and personal services.
• Rural HEs tend to be involved in local manufacturing, including charcoal making, beer brewing, and shea butter processing.

Demographics of HE Operators

• HE operators are predominantly women (over 70%).
• HE operators are generally less educated, with most having only primary education.
• Youth under 24 are underrepresented in HEs, largely due to ongoing education and lack of experience.

Training and Skills Development

• Apprenticeship is the most common form of training for HE operators.
• Only 30% of HE operators have undergone apprenticeship, with the majority being in the informal sector.
• Many HE operators who completed apprenticeship end up in trading, which does not require such training.

Constraints to HE Growth and Productivity

• Lack of capital: Despite access to banks, HEs often lack the necessary financial skills and confidence.
• Limited access to formal credit: Only 11% of HEs applied for formal credit in 2006, with most relying on personal savings or informal networks.
• Inadequate workspace: HEs often face difficulties in accessing suitable locations and infrastructure.
• Poor management and technical training: HE operators lack skills in record-keeping, business management, and adapting to new technologies.
• Weak institutional support: Local associations and advisory centers are underfunded and often ineffective in providing consistent support.

Policy, Institutional, and Regulatory Environment

Local Economic Development (LED) and Infrastructure

• MMDAs play a key role in determining the business environment for HEs.
• Many MMDAs have HE-targeted programs, including rural enterprise initiatives and light industrial zones.
• Some projects, like the Bechem light industrial zone, have been successful, while others have failed due to poor planning and lack of community involvement.

Financial Support

• Financial institutions and microfinance institutions (MFIs) have expanded access to credit for rural and MSEs.
• HEs, however, often struggle to access these funds due to nonperforming loans, inadequate documentation, and unsuitable financial products.

Business Development Support

• Business Advisory Centers (BACs) provide training and counseling to HEs.
• Training programs are often irregular due to funding constraints.
• Rural Technology Facilities (RTFs) offer specialized training, tools, and equipment to HE operators.

Informal Sector Associations

• Trade associations help HEs advocate for their needs and improve coordination with local authorities.
• Many associations are weak, with ineffective leadership and limited awareness among members.

Social Protection

• Ghana has developed social insurance programs for the informal sector, including the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the SSNIT Informal Sector Fund.
• HE operators are more aware of NHIS, especially women and children, but less aware of the pension benefits from the SSNIT Informal Sector Fund.

Policy Recommendations

1. Improve Regulatory Framework: Enhance dialogue mechanisms between MMDAs and HEs, and expand the use of Micro- and Small Enterprise Committees to all districts.
2. Strengthen HE Associations: Support the development of stronger, more effective associations that can represent HEs and improve their bargaining power.
3. Enhance Financial Inclusion: Develop more suitable financial products for HEs and improve access to formal credit through better training and documentation support.
4. Promote Skills Development: Expand and improve training programs, especially in technical and management skills, to increase HE productivity and adaptability.
5. Improve Infrastructure and Workspace Access: Ensure that new markets and light industrial zones are planned with HE needs in mind and are accessible to potential customers.
6. Strengthen Social Protection: Improve awareness and access to the SSNIT Informal Sector Fund and enhance service delivery in the NHIS to better support HE operators.

Conclusion

Household enterprises are a critical component of Ghana's economy and have the potential to contribute significantly to poverty reduction and economic growth. However, realizing this potential requires addressing key constraints in finance, infrastructure, skills, and institutional support. A coordinated effort between national and local actors, supported by effective policies and programs, is essential to create an environment conducive to the growth and sustainability of HEs.