The impact of heatwaves condition on the livelihood of market women in Ghana

In recent years, heat waves have become more intense and prevalent due to the constant changing in the atmospheric conditions, posing critical health and economic challenges for outdoor workers globally. It is worth mentioning that market women, particularly in developing regions are vulnerable as their livelihood on prolonged exposure to open-air markets where resources to mitigate extreme heat are often lacking. This study investigates how heat waves affect market women’s livelihood, focusing on how limited resources, constrained capabilities and affect functioning exacerbating their vulnerability. Utilizing the Capability Approach as a theoretical framework, the research examines how essential resources such as shade, cooling equipment and healthcare access are crucial yet often inaccessible to market women in the Kejetia Market, restricting their ability to cope with extreme heat in supporting their livelihoods. Through the use of qualitative interviews, a sample size of 15 participant were adopted from the market through the purposive sampling technique. Market women selling various goods and services such as; Fishmonger, Fruit, Vegetable, Food vendors and Head porters were engaged in the study. The findings reveal that market women’s capabilities such as knowledge, agency and social support are crucial for adapting work practices during heat waves. However, limited access to reliable institutional support networks constrains their freedoms to make informed decisions leading to a diminish in their resilience. Additionally, the study highlights the severe impact on functioning, demonstrating how heat waves compromise health, income stability, and work productivity, with many women facing reduced earnings and deteriorating wellbeing due to prolonged exposure. The research concludes with the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effect of heat waves, ensuring that market women can achieve valued outcomes despite these environmental stressors.