Thriving amidst conflicts: Recognizing the important role of informal economy actors in vegetable marketing during times of conflict in Tigray and Amhara, Ethiopia

The recurrent conflicts in the Amhara and Tigray regions in Ethiopia affect the food systems in all aspects. The flow of products and goods is seriously impacted. Informal economy actors in the food chain play a crucial role but take many risks to ensure that food still reaches consumers. However, they are perceived as competitors who unfairly gain an advantage over formal actors. Brokers buying from farmers and selling to retailers in Tigray, and pushcart vendors in Amhara are overlooked and misunderstood. Still they thrive in efforts to ensure that inputs reach farmers so that production can continue, and that food products reach retailers and consumers. Even amidst adversity they adapt flexibly to the ever-changing situation. However, tax-paying businesses sometimes face unfair competition, pricing can be unfair, and men increasingly dominate the chain. How can the positive contribution of informal economy actors be nurtured?