YOUTH AND THE SOCIAL ORGANISATION OF THE INFORMAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES IN SIERRA LEONE

Abstract

The informal construction sector in Sierra Leone plays a vital role in the
economy, providing substantial employment for the youth. This PhD study seeks to fill the gap in understanding the social organization within this sector, particularly for carpenters, masons, and electricians, by investigating their roles, relationships, and dynamics. It highlights the shift from formal wage labor to self-employment due to diminishing opportunities in the formal labor market, exacerbated by economic deterioration and an overloaded education system. The study will examine socio-economic factors influencing youth in informal construction, the social networks within this sector, the dynamics of informal apprenticeship systems, and the challenges faced by young workers, such as unstable incomes and unsafe working conditions. Methodologically, it will employ qualitative approaches, including in-depth interviews and participant observations, to document the lived experiences of these youths. The research’s significance lies in its potential to inform policy on youth employment, enhance technical training, and improve labor protections while contributing to the broader discourse on informality, urban development, and sustainable practices in Sierra Leone. 
By exploring the intertwining factors impacting youth involvement in informal construction, the study aims to provide insights that could foster a more inclusive and equitable development agenda in both local and similar global contexts.