Factors Affecting Rwandan Informal Sector Workers' Participation in Public Pension Schemes
Date of Conferral
2016
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Policy and Administration
Advisor
Anthony Fleming
Abstract
Social security is one of the key pillars of socioeconomic development in developing
countries. Despite being an internationally recognized basic right and a key pillar of
socioeconomic development, it does not protect the majority of the global workforce.
Over 90% of workers in developing countries do not have social security coverage, the
greatest percentage belonging to informal sector. In Rwanda, the national government has
stepped up efforts to extend coverage to the wider population, but informal sector
workers have not joined the existing pension scheme in significant numbers, and the
reasons for which are unclear. Guided by Maloney's theory of voluntarism; the purpose
of this phenomenological study was to examine the factors affecting the level of workers'
participation in informal sector in pension scheme in Rwanda. This study was designed to
provide new insights into the current social security situation of informal sector workers
in Rwanda and to contribute to the knowledge base on social security and the informal
sector. The research questions focused on awareness, income levels, and other factors
that can address the social security needs of informal sector workers. Data were collected
from 22 active workers from informal sector and 5 officials from ministries and agencies
who were well-versed with social security issues. Data were analyzed via Moustakas's
steps of epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative narration, and synthesis of
texture and structure. The results revealed that low incomes, lack of awareness, poor
benefit design, distrust of public schemes, and frustrating laws and procedures were
hindering the increased public pension coverage of informal sector workers in Rwanda.
These findings will help Rwandan policy makers to promote positive social change by
informing policies that enhance social protection of workers in informal sector.
Recommended Citation
Kayitare, Emmanuel, "Factors Affecting Rwandan Informal Sector Workers' Participation in Public Pension Schemes" (2016). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 2551.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/2551
