The Livelihoods of Micro and Small Enterprise Operators in a District of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Reflections on their Capital Assets Reality

Abstract

The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) presupposes the outcomes of any livelihood strategy, including working in micro and small enterprises, the results of interplay of context, access to and level of different sorts of assets, and policies and institutions. Targeting those MSE operators working in Woreda 1 of Lideta sub-city of Addis Ababa and based on qualitative data generated via in-depth interviews, key-informant interviews, and focus group discussion, this paper aims at assessing the level and access of micro and small enterprise operators to various types of capital assets. It was found that the operators have relatively better access to different levels of social, political, and human assets. In addition to the high level of access to and possession of these three types of assets, it is also uncovered that the operators possess a remarkable amount of financial and physical assets. To further augment these capital assets, the study mainly proposes alleviating the market shortage, improving provision of public infrastructure and facilities, availing affordable credit and enhancing the capacity of the operators.

Keywords: Livelihoods, Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, Micro and Small Enterprises, Capital Assets