Lockdown devastating livelihoods: Research

THE state of emergency is having a devastating impact on the informal economy, according to PNG National Research Institute.
It released a recent study by senior research fellow Elizabeth Kopel which noted that the restrictions on movement was “impacting the supply of fresh food and other goods and services between urban and rural areas, resulting in the loss of income and livelihoods”. Kopel said PNG lacked a social welfare system to provide emergency assistance.
“While the jobs and incomes of those were protected, the bulk of the population in the informal economy do not have a secure livelihood,” she said.
“The (national emergency) is having a devastating impact on livelihoods in rural and urban areas.
“Most people struggle to put food on their tables each day in the best of times.
“It is extremely hard for households to cope for weeks and/or even months without regular income generation activities.
“The main source of income for most rural dwellers is the production and sale of fresh food in open markets.”
Kopel said restrictions on movement were “severely limiting or preventing fresh producers and farmers from selling their commodities and this was impacting their livelihoods.
“Similarly, urban supplies are not reaching rural areas,” she said.
“Small and medium enterprises and informal businesses such as trade stores are unable to maintain adequate supplies to meet the needs of the rural population at this time.
“It is a major concern as these businesses are losing income.”