The impact of unemployment and household resilience in the poor neighbourhoods of Masina in Kinshasa, DRC

Abstract

This article addresses the thorny issue of the impact of unemployment and household resilience in the poor neighbourhoods of Masina in Kinshasa, an issue that is little known and little documented. It analyses household livelihoods through a qualitative and quantitative survey of 383 households in poor neighbourhoods in this Commune, with 18 households per neighbourhood, in order to explore these issues systematically.

Two findings emerged from the study. Firstly, it appears that by improving the informal and/or entrepreneurial activities of the most vulnerable people in Kinshasa, lives are being saved, including those of households that were in crisis situations and under continual stress. Secondly, taking into account the economic and social context and the ability of households in difficult situations to anticipate shocks and the stress of unemployment helps them to cope, overcome them and, above all, regain their independence in the long term.

Key words: Impact of unemployment, resilience, households, poor neighbourhoods, Masina.

JEL Classification: E24, J63,  P36

Paper type: Empirical research