Formalizing Informal Cross-Border Trade: Evidence From One-Stop-Border-Posts in Uganda

Siu, Jade

doi:10.2139/ssrn.3854156

Cited by 5 publications

(11 citation statements)

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“…An ongoing general challenge noted by researchers using surveys, and most often situated in the economics or policy realms, is figuring out a representative sample for small‐scale cross‐border traders (Hadley & Rowlatt, 2019). However, some researchers have been able to conduct a baseline through systematic sampling of traders across different markets in Busia (Siu, 2020; Wiseman, 2020). Titeca and Kimanuka (2012) used a method of random sampling—every 50th trader at the border—which is bound to lead to different results from a method that samples from markets or within traders' associations, methods which are also common.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This, of course, makes them more vulnerable to punishment like goods confiscation and some kinds of predation, including police and other security forces asking for bribes and engaging in sexual harassment or “sextortion” (Akaezuwa et al, 2020; Jacobson & Joekes, 2019; Parshotam & Balongo, 2020; Ruiter et al, 2017; World Bank, 2020). Interestingly, in the case of Ugandans crossing into Kenya, Siu finds that men are more likely to choose informal routes, and she attributes this to potentially higher bargaining power and better networks (Siu, 2020, p. 18). More dangerous and longer routes associated with informal pathways are also a problem.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Given that these OSBPs have been around for some time, a number of studies have explored their impacts, including those on wait times and corruption (Nugent & Soi, 2020;Siu, 2019;TMEA, 2017;Tyson, 2018). Overall, this research suggests some substantial reduction in time saved crossing the formal border (Siu, 2020;TMEA, 2017TMEA, , 2019Tyson, 2018). Traders viewed the changes positively, although low skill workers suggested a reduction of jobs involving manual transportation and handling of goods (Tyson, 2018).…”

Section: One Stop Border Postmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…However, some researchers have been able to conduct a baseline through systematic sampling of traders across different markets in Busia (Siu, 2020;Wiseman, 2020). Titeca and Kimanuka (2012) used a method of random sampling-every 50th trader at the border-which is bound to lead to different results from a method that samples from markets or within traders' associations, methods which are also common.…”

Section: Ta B L E 1 Search Protocol and Selection Criteria Inclusion ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nugent and Soi (2020) suggest that the customs officials at the OSBP in Busia are aware of the need to lure more people through their formal processes competing with informal routes. Siu (2020) finds that in Busia and Malaba this does not appear to be happening; according to her survey data, many traders were reluctant to shift borders and the overall impact of OSBP on formalization is ambiguous, suggesting that other interventions may be necessary to encourage more use of formal borders.…”

Section: Anti‐corruption Efforts and Policy Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Corruption, gender, and small‐scale cross‐border trade in East Africa: A review

Klopp

Trimble

Wiseman

2022

Development Policy Review

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Motivation: Small-scale cross-border trade is critically important to livelihoods and food security in East Africa, but bribes, harassment, and violence remain serious problems. Based on current research, we ask which anti-corruption interventions tend to work to improve the conditions of these traders? Purpose: This article critically and systematically reviews a growing literature on small-scale cross-border trade, corruption, and gender. The aim is to synthesize and assess the current state of knowledge, highlight progress, and gaps, and assess the potential of anti-corruption programmes to address the needs of traders. Methods and approach: A systematic literature review with supplementary interviews with traders and policy actors. Findings: We found research is increasingly drawing on diversifying interdisciplinary methods and focusing on individual trader behaviours, networks, interactions with state actors, and, increasingly, on gendered dynamics; more work might focus on state actors, especially the police, and what determines how bribes function and their levels. Associations, civil society, and the platforms, both informal and formal, by which traders voice concern and confront government officials, as well as how traders choose between formal and informal pathways, and how these pathways interact, require more attention. Policy implications: Government reforms like the One Stop Border Post, need to be better tailored to the specific, gendered needs of small-scale cross-border traders. Simplifying and reducing formal border procedures, reducing tariffs, improving information desks and complaints mechanisms are all needed to enhance access and accountability. Programmes that support access to capital, business support, networking, and knowledge around border procedures have positive impacts, as do those that promote strong associations to put to the government the specific needs of small-scale traders. Police reform tailored to border areas is also required.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: One Stop Border Postmentioning

confidence: 88%

Section: Ta B L E 1 Search Protocol and Selection Criteria Inclusion ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Anti‐corruption Efforts and Policy Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Corruption, gender, and small‐scale cross‐border trade in East Africa: A review

Klopp

Trimble

Wiseman

2022

Development Policy Review

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Challenges of Informal Cross-Border Trade Facilitation in Tanzania: Lessons from Kigoma Border

Charles

2023

Journal of Borderlands Studies

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Self-concept, self-organization and cross-border trading (CBT) behavior among females in Uganda

Sambaga

2023

IJGE

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PurposeWomen cross-border traders face impediments in their entrepreneurial work from time-to-time. To overcome these impediments, females need to take on self-concept (self-esteem, self-confidence, social roles) mediated by self-organization (adaptability, interaction, team working) in order to thrive in cross-border trading (CBT), using evidence from Uganda. So, in this paper the authors explain the behavior of a female who succeeds in CBT with interest of scaling it up to empower more female entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachThis study is a correlational and cross-sectional type. A questionnaire survey of 288 females was used. The data collected were analyzed through SPSS.FindingsThe results reveal that self-concept, mediated by self-organization, controlled by tenure in business and the age of a female in CBT significantly influences CBT behavior among females in Uganda.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on females who are involved in CBT in Uganda. Therefore, it is likely that the results may not be generalized to other settings. The results show that for females to succeed in CBT, self-concept and self-organization affect CBT behavior once they are controlled by tenure in business and the age of a female in CBT at more than 30 years of age and longer than 5 years.Originality/valueThis study provides initial evidence that self-concept, mediated by self-organization, controlled by tenure in business and age of a CBT directly affects CBT behavior, using evidence from an African developing country – Uganda.

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Formalizing Informal Cross-Border Trade: Evidence From One-Stop-Border-Posts in Uganda

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Corruption, gender, and small‐scale cross‐border trade in East Africa: A review

Corruption, gender, and small‐scale cross‐border trade in East Africa: A review

Challenges of Informal Cross-Border Trade Facilitation in Tanzania: Lessons from Kigoma Border

Self-concept, self-organization and cross-border trading (CBT) behavior among females in Uganda

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