Sari-Sari Stores as Micro-Economies of Peace in Post-Conflict Communities: An Ethnographic Study on Women and Informal Trade in Baloi, Lanao Del Norte

Abstract

This study examines the role of women-managed sari-sari stores as micro-economies of peace in post-conflict communities in Baloi, Lanao del Norte, highlighting the intersection of informal trade, household livelihood, social cohesion, and grassroots peacebuilding. Situated within the post-conflict recovery context in Mindanao, it explores how everyday economic activities contribute to community stability and trust-building. Employing a descriptive mixed-methods ethnographic design, the study integrated quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture both measurable patterns and lived experiences. Fourteen purposively selected women sari-sari store owners participated, providing data through survey questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and ethnographic observations. Findings show that sari-sari stores serve as primary or significant sources of household income and are largely sustained through family support networks, reflecting the collective nature of women’s entrepreneurship. Beyond economic functions, the stores act as informal social spaces where trust, reciprocity, and cooperation are cultivated through daily interactions, small loans, and participation in community activities. Women’s engagement in these enterprises enhances their social status, influence, and leadership within households and the broader community, positioning them as informal peacebuilders. Despite challenges such as limited capital and market constraints, women demonstrate resilience and agency in sustaining their businesses. The study concludes that women-led micro-enterprises play a vital role in promoting household resilience and social cohesion. Strengthening these initiatives through access to microfinance, skills development, and community-based programs can enhance local peacebuilding and should be integrated into post-conflict recovery strategies.