Financial Analysis of Production, Consumption and Savings among Women Resellers in the Informal Sector of Lumumbaville, DRC

This study analyzes the short-term budgetary orientation of women resellers in the private primary sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on the financial dynamics of production, consumption and savings in the Lumumbaville market (Sankuru province). Based on a sample of 240 women resellers across eight market sites, a mixed methodological approach was used combining structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and direct observation. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests, ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc test and Pearson correlation. The results show that exclusive resellers in Lumumbaville achieve significantly higher average sales volumes (15.87 kg per woman) compared to other categories (F = 14.10, p < 0.001). Unit profits vary significantly by category (F = 140.64, p < 0.001), ranging from USD 25 for exclusive resellers to only USD 6.7 for porters. Only exclusive resellers (USD 100 per month) and farmer-resellers (USD 75) generate positive savings (F = 4765.5, p < 0.001). The study confirms the relevance of Friedman’s permanent income theory, Modigliani’s life-cycle theory, and Banerjee and Duflo’s economics of poverty in the context of Lumumbaville informal market. Eighteen operational recommendations are proposed for women resellers, traders’ associations, local authorities, microfinance institutions, NGOs and researchers.