BUILDING RESILIENT LIVELIHOODS IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS:ASSESSING HEMP-BASED STRATEGIES THROUGH THE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONAL THEORY INETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

Sustainable livelihood development remains a significant challenge in South Africa’s informal settlements, where poverty, unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and institutional exclusion constrain economic opportunities. This study aims to assess the suitability, feasibility, and acceptability of hemp-based livelihood strategies in an urban informal settlement by integrating the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and Institutional Theory to examine how asset constraints and institutional dynamics shape livelihood opportunities. A qualitative research design was adopted, drawing on semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions in Banana City, an informal settlement within the eThekwini Municipality. Findings reveal interconnected constraints across human, social, financial, physical, and natural assets, including limited skills development opportunities, weak institutional networks, poor access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure tenure. Institutional asymmetries, reflected in regulatory complexity, affordability barriers, and mutual distrust between informal traders and formal institutions, further restrict economic participation. While participants viewed hemp positively as a potential livelihood opportunity, concerns regarding space availability, compliance costs, technical knowledge, infrastructure, and market access constrained its perceived feasibility. The study concludes that hemp-based initiatives can contribute to livelihood resilience only when supported by inclusive institutions, targeted asset-building interventions, and context-sensitive implementation strategies.