Authors :
Monica Achieng Owoko; Mark Kiptui; Grace Jerotich Cheserek
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/2p8xspb4
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/3pwj2xr4
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAY140
Abstract :
Street food (SF) vending is a common
livelihood activity in many urban areas globally. It is
driven by a lack of employment opportunities in the
formal sector and by the demand for cheap ready-to-eat
food by urban residents. However, the trade is perceived
to have adverse impacts on the urban environment and
hence authorities seek to eliminate it from urban spaces.
The purpose of this study was to assess the sustainability
of SF vending in Bungoma, Kakamega and Busia urban
areas in Western Kenya by examining its social,
economic and environmental outcomes. The research
design used was a cross-sectional descriptive survey.
Proportionate sampling and simple random sampling
were used to select respondents in each urban area. The
sample consisted of two hundred and twenty-four
respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires,
observation checklists and photography. The findings
show that SF vending met the food security needs of
residents and also provided employment opportunities.
However, the earnings were too low to meet the needs of
vendors and their employees. Despite the low income,
the trade also provided revenue for the county
governments through the payment of various levies.
Although personal hygiene was relatively good,
workplaces were strewn with litter and waste disposal
was poorly done. In order for SF vending to be
sustainable in the long run, SF vendors need to be
empowered through stakeholder engagement to increase
their earnings to a level where it can meet their needs.
They also need to adopt environmentally friendly waste
disposal methods.
Keywords :
Street Food; Outcomes of Street Food Vending; Sustainability; Urban Areas.
References :
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Street food (SF) vending is a common
livelihood activity in many urban areas globally. It is
driven by a lack of employment opportunities in the
formal sector and by the demand for cheap ready-to-eat
food by urban residents. However, the trade is perceived
to have adverse impacts on the urban environment and
hence authorities seek to eliminate it from urban spaces.
The purpose of this study was to assess the sustainability
of SF vending in Bungoma, Kakamega and Busia urban
areas in Western Kenya by examining its social,
economic and environmental outcomes. The research
design used was a cross-sectional descriptive survey.
Proportionate sampling and simple random sampling
were used to select respondents in each urban area. The
sample consisted of two hundred and twenty-four
respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires,
observation checklists and photography. The findings
show that SF vending met the food security needs of
residents and also provided employment opportunities.
However, the earnings were too low to meet the needs of
vendors and their employees. Despite the low income,
the trade also provided revenue for the county
governments through the payment of various levies.
Although personal hygiene was relatively good,
workplaces were strewn with litter and waste disposal
was poorly done. In order for SF vending to be
sustainable in the long run, SF vendors need to be
empowered through stakeholder engagement to increase
their earnings to a level where it can meet their needs.
They also need to adopt environmentally friendly waste
disposal methods.
Keywords :
Street Food; Outcomes of Street Food Vending; Sustainability; Urban Areas.