Nature, Operations and Socio-Economic Features of Street Food Entrepreneurs of Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the nature,operations and the socioeconomic features of street food vendors in Harare in Zimbabwe. Data collection techniques included in-depth personal interviews, direct observations and documentary reviews. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socioeconomic and technical data pertaining to street food vending. The study revealed that street food vending, far from being a hindrance to progress and sustainable development, is in fact the basis of a vibrant street economy which has strong linkages with the formal economy.Street food vendors were observed in most public and private places including industrial and construction sites, hospitals, schools, sporting stadia, bus termini, church buildings, shopping and commercial centres, pavements, open spaces and along streets in the High Density Suburbs. Street food vending survived not merely because it was an important source of employment but because it provided urban dwellers with inexpensive and variedindigenousmeals.This significant contribution was unfortunately ignored by the City of Harare and national police because more often than not street food vending was considered illegal activity and street food vendors were treated as criminals. The study recommended that government should recognise street food industry through legislation and introduction of a code of practice for street food vendors. As a first step towards recognition, street food vendors should constitute themselves into well organised associations which would enable them to develop code of practice for their businesses. Future research should focus on quantifying the consumption of street foods in Harare and their economic benefits.