Malawi is a landlocked country in southern Africa; according to the United Nations Human Development Report 2004 it is the 13th poorest country in the world with 42% of the population living on under US $1 a day.
I spent August of 2004 documenting people in Malawi who make a living working independently selling goods and services. Over the past 20 years rising unemployment and rural to urban migration has led to an increase in this type of work in developing countries.
I photographed these same activities in England - the 12th richest country in the world. Similarities can be drawn between the working lives of the individuals; the skills needed for daily activities, from preparing food to threading necklaces are much the same. However the context in which they are carrying out these activities is very different. The economic, social and cultural differences between England and Malawi clearly impact upon every part of day to day life.
Malawi
England
Malawi
England
Malawi
England
Malawi
England