El sector informal en Ecuador a consecuencia de la Pandemia Covid 19, Periodo 2020 - 2022

Abstract

Abstract: This study analyzes how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the informal sector in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, examining the economic and labor consequences and the adaptation strategies adopted by informal workers. Using a mixed approach of quantitative and qualitative methods, it examines changes in labor indicators and their behavior in the national context, utilizing data from the National Survey of Employment, Unemployment, and Underemployment (ENEMDU) and previous studies on the topic. A greater dependence on informal employment was detected, particularly affecting women and rural sectors, highlighting the need for public policies that promote employment formalization and strengthen social protection. Adaptation strategies such as the diversification of activities and cost reduction, crucial for economic survival, were identified. It was found that there is a lack of access to technological and educational resources, limiting sustainable recovery. This work contributes to the understanding of labor dynamics in times of crisis and offers recommendations to improve labor and economic conditions, fostering a more equitable and sustainable environment.