GEOGRAPHY
FIELD PROJECT REPORT
TITLE:
THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF STREET VENDING
BY
______________________
EXAMINATION NUMBER:
_________________________
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF A
GRADE 12 SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
© ECZ 2020
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to my supervisor at School for his
guidance and support throughout the process of this field report.
Secondly, I am indebted to thank my other family and parents for their support and financial
assistance for me to carry out this project successfully. Their efforts, love and prayers have
significantly contributed to this work.
May God bless them all!
(i)
2
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to my father, mother, sister and my little brother for their tireless
support and daily prayers which made me to accomplish this work successfully.
(ii)
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknolwledgement................................................................................................................... i
Dedication............ ................................................................................................................... ii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Background of study........................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Location of the study area.................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Aim .................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Objectives............................................................................................................................ 8
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Methodology.......................................................................................................................9
2.1 Sampling techniques...........................................................................................................9
2.2 Data collection....................................................................................................................9
2.3 Instrumentation...................................................................................................................9
2.4 Data Analysis......................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Data presentation...........................................................................................................10-11
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................12-14
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................15
5.1 Recommendations..............................................................................................................15
CHAPTER SIX
6.0 Evaluation .........................................................................................................................16
6.1.Limitation of the study.......................................................................................................16
6.2.References/Appendices.................................................................................................17-19
4
TITLE OF THE REPORT
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF STREET VENDING: A
CASE OF LUSAKA CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT OF ZAMBIA
5
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Background to the study
With an ever growing population from 7,759,161 in (1990), 9,885,591 in (2000) and
13,046,508 persons in 2010 (Zambia Central Statistical office 2011), street vendors has also
been increasing in numbers coupled with high unemployment and soaring poverty levels, many
Zambians live precarious lives. Consequently, street vending, and food vending in particular,
is seen by many as a way out of survival for sustainable. This trend brings along problems such
as stealing‘ from customers from the formal economy, non payment of taxes, causing road
traffic congestion and sanitation related diseases such as cholera, crime (pick-pocketing) and
walking in the city centre which has become a sheer agony for shoppers and pedestrians.
The Zambian government has been putting up formal market infrastructure across the country
so that street vendors can trade in an orderly, safer and good environment. However, despite
government putting up formal market infrastructure, street vendors keep trading from the
streets causing serious public health risks, especially when poorly regulated. Vended foods
included fruit, raw vegetables, cooked meats and wild roots eaten for relish is found to be a
viable socio-economic activity providing gainful employment to populations with limited
education and skills. However, the limited education demonstrated by food vendors implied a
corresponding lack of basic skills in food safety and hygiene. To some, street food is a hazard
to public health as it gives a bad image of the city since it leads to congestion and rising in
levels of immorality such as crime, gangs, theft and prostitution.. To others, however, street
food is a vibrant informal sector activity that gives urban dwellers and workers an affordable
source of nutrition during the hustle and bustle of a working day; it is also a source of economic
sustenance for its traders.
However, due to unsanitary vending areas, Government’s position is that Street vending is
illegal and therefore not subject to standardization, a situation which precludes any remedial
policies. This study looks at the negative impacts street vending in Lusaka’s central business
district.
6
1.2 LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA
This project was undertaken in Lusaka which is the capital and largest city of Zambia. One of
the fastest developing cities in southern Africa, Lusaka lies on a plateau at an elevation of about
1,279 metres (4,196 ft). It lies between the Coordinates: 15°25′S 28°17′E.
SKETCH MAP OF LUSAKA DISTRICT
Source: google Maps @ 2020
7
AIM OF THE STUDY
The aim of this study is to find out the negative impacts of street vending in Lusaka central
business District of Zambia
Objectives
To find out the economic activities of people in Lusaka District Area.
To find out the reasons of street vending in Lusaka Town.
To assess the negative effects of Street Vending in Lusaka Town.
8
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research
instruments that were used in the collection of data were questionnaire and interview schedules
alongside with observation.
2.1.SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
A random sampling technique was used to choose the people to be interviewed in this project
report. The study site was observed and Interviews guides and questionnaires were used to
collect data from the 10 random selected Street kids of Lusaka.
2.2 DATA COLLECTION
Secondary sources from books and primary data sources were used in the collection of data.
The researcher also visited the areas under study to collect data using questionnaires and
interview guides as well as through observations on the areas under study.
2.3 INSTRUMENTATION
The study utilized a number of instruments which include the smart phones, interview question
guide, observation sheets, pens and note books. The pen, pencils and notes books were used in
jotting downs data and sketching of the townships. Smart phones were used in taking photos,
showing campus directions and used for time checking. Observation sheets and questionnaires
were used to indicate comments on sub-themes.
2.4 DATA ANALYSIS
Much of the collected data was qualitative and quantitative and thus it was first summarized
and sorted then analysed using pie charts, tables and bar graphs.
9
CHAPTER THREE
DATA COLLECTION
3.0 DATA PRESENTATION
The respondents included 40% females and 60% males which made the results not to be biased
in terms of gender that was included in the respondents.
3.1 Social and economic activities of people in Lusaka District
Data collected shoed that economically 75% of the respondents are into small scale, self-
employment / unemployed and business 10% are employed in the private sector, 10% are
employed by government in schools and hospitals, and 5% are in faming related activities.
3.1.1 Table showing major economic activities of people in Chibombo District
ECONOMIC FARMING GRZ PRIVATE SELF- EMPLOYED
/BUSINESS/UNEMPLOYED
ACTIVITY EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES
PERCENTAGE 5% 10% 10% 75%
3.1.2Pie chart showing major economic activities of people in Lusaka District
Peoples Economic Activities
Small Scale farming
Private Employees 5%
10%
GRZ Employees
10%
Self-
employment/business
/unemployed
75%
Self-employment/business/unemployed GRZ Employees Private Employees Small Scale farming
10
3.2 Table showing responses as to the reasons to why people engage in street food vending
RESPONDENTS Common cited reasons
Poverty Unemployment/Leisure Orphaned/Leisure
Vendors at Kulima Tower 40% 50% 10%
Vendors along Nkwazi 60% 40% 0%
Road
Vendors along Cha Cha 50% 40% 10%
Cha Road
Vendors along Cairo Road 30% 50% 20%
From Public Health 40% 40% 20%
Department of the LCC
Source: (Field work, 2020)
Fig 3.2.2 showing responses as to the reasons to why people engage in street food vending
REASONS FOR STREET VENDING
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Kulima Tower Nkwazi Road Cha Cha Cha Rd Cairo Road LCC
Poverty Unemployment/Leisure Orphaned
Source: (Field work 2020)
11
Table below shows the responses from council officers on negative impacts of street
vending
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF STREET VENDING IN LUSAKA TOWN
Rising in crime
Rising in levels of prostitution
Increase in street gangs
Increase in Drug abuse
Theft & Pick pocketing
Harassment of people, shoppers and pedestrians
Non-payment of taxes
Causes road traffic congestion and sanitation related diseases such as cholera
Creates bad image for the city centre to others especially tourists and investors
3.3 Chart showing the negative effects of street vending
Bad image
Drug abuse
Increase in diseases
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF
Increase in pick -pocketing STREET VENDING Increase in Theft
AGRICULTURE
Non-payment of taxes
Increase in crime
Increase in prostitution
12
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF PEOPLE IN LUSAKA
The findings revel that economically 75% of the respondents depends on small business and
self-employment as well as unemployed, 5% depend on small scale agriculture, 10% are
employed by government in schools and hospitals, and 10% are in the private sector
employment. This means that the majority of people in Lusaka are unemployed and survive
through business and self-employment.
4.2 REASONS FOR STREET VENDING
The interview with the officials from the Public Health Department of the LCC revealed about
30% of the respondents said that the situation is quite fair/good, then 20% claimed that Lusaka
has an average situation while the majority of 50% claimed that the street vending situation is
very bad. Observations within the CBD (Chachacha, Cairo and Kulima Tower) showed that
street food vending in the city is rife.
a) Poverty
The information gathered from LCC revealed that most vending in Zambia is an as a result of
poverty and hunger among the people in communities and end up looming in the streets to raise
money and beg simply to find earns meat.
b) Orphaned
Most street vendors interviewed are either single or double orphans. This has led to their lives
become miserable as they lack biological parents to take care of them. The situation is bad as
the same street vendor ends up having more and more children within the streets increasing the
numbers of street kids.
13
c) Unemployment levels
Lusaka district is a vast area covering the Lusaka Central Business District (CBD) and various
townships around the city. As of 2010, the city's population was about 1.7 million, while the
urban population is 2.4 million. Lusaka is the centre of both commerce and government in
Zambia and connects to the country's four main highways heading north, south, east and west.
This situation has led to a number of people unemployed, and lack accommodation. This draws
then to the streets and end up becoming street vendors.
4.3 NEDGATIVE EFFECTS OF STREET VENDING IN LUSAKA
a) Risks of street food vending to public health
Street vendors sell food stuffs to consumers which poses a risk to public health. This is due to
questions related to food preparation, storage, hygiene and safety. In Lusaka most Fruit and
vegetable vendors as well as those selling dry fish, Kapenta and beans stated that they ordered
their food from Soweto market while drinks and water are ordered either from a wholesale
store in Freedom Way or from Kamwala market. Meat sellers talked to indicated that they
purchased their ingredients (i.e., raw meat, chicken and sausages) from reputable butcheries.
Most vendors vend in the open air which is subject to dust and some surrounding areas are
littered with plastics and other street dirt. Disposable plastics which were mainly used as food
containers while merchandise was mostly stored in paper/card boxes and transparent plastic
buckets.
b) Increase in Crime
A secure environment is a pre-requisite for any type of business. In most streets of major cities
in Africa, security is a major concern for formal and informal businesses as well as the general
public. Street traders a danger to street security and the security of people’s goods and
customers. Out of the streets levels of crime increases and results in loss of customers, frightens
tourists, cripples businesses, and reduces incomes and generally interferes with trading.
14
c) Increase on prostitution and street gangs
As a result street vending, levels of prostitution and street gangs increases. The streets become
insecure the insecurity in the streets is sometimes used as an excuse to evict street traders.
Street trade are viewed by urban authorities as dens for thugs and robbers.
d) Overcrowding in the streets, pick pocketing and petty thieves and drug abuse
It is argued that due to the overcrowding in the streets, pick pocketing and petty thieves in the
streets of Lusaka. it is due to high insecurity in other parts of the city that, the vendors invaded
the CBD to find a more secure environment, where customers could shop freely. Market
women also complain about conmen and thieves who confiscate their commodities, and
discourage customers from going to the markets.
15
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION
5.1. CONCLUSION
This study has revealed that street vending is, the only available employment avenue for those
who are involved in vending. Furthermore, the incomes earned from it are crucial to their
livelihoods. It is women and children who are most represented in food vending in Lusaka.
This study has also revealed that low skills and low education, which limit entry into the formal
labour market in addition to the long and flexible work hours that street food vending affords
women, are the most frequent determinants for their engagement in the activity in Lusaka. If
vendors are not allowed to trade, no other jobs are available to them, especially given the
country’s high unemployment rates and the food vendors’ low skills and poverty. The findings
of this study affirm that food vending is dominated by women and children as is true in most
cities in Africa who are mostly orphans. The quality of foods sold as well as the hygiene
practices of food vendors are a matter of concern. To protect public health and maintain order
and cleanliness in the city, street vending is consequently illegal in Zambia. However, by
making food vending illegal and then allowing vendors to trade, government policy has
worsened the situation. Vended foods were found to include fruit, raw vegetables, cooked
meats and wild roots eaten for relish. The practice of street food vending is a viable socio-
economic activity providing gainful employment to populations with limited education and
skills. However, most vendors have limited formal education and a corresponding lack of basic
skills in food safety and hygiene. The environment in which they trade is also usually
unsanitary.
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
The government should, provide and promote a supportive environment for earning
livelihoods to food vendors while at the same time ensuring the absence of congestion
and the maintenance of hygiene in public spaces and streets.
The government should scrutinize merchandise for standards and public spaces in
accordance with the planning standards of the Lusaka City Council.
Child vending should be discouraged and government through agencies such as the
child welfare department of the Ministry of Community Development and Mother and
Child Health should take appropriate measures for promoting a better future for child
vendors such as rehabilitation and schooling.
16
CHAPTER SIX
6.0 EVALUATION
This study has drawn some clear conclusions about the negative impacts of street vending in
Lusaka District. A number of evaluative points can be made, firstly, given time and personnel
restrictions it was difficult to survey the whole of the Lusaka District accurately. It is worth
concluding that although this was a fairly broad piece of fieldwork, there was so much more
which could be investigated. Different groups of people have very strong views on
gentrification and it is hoped that this piece of work provides an impartial outsider’s view on
its nature and extent of the negative impacts of street vending in Lusaka town.
Future Work
Further research is required to determine the interrelationships among poverty and street
vending. This will require development of coherent and standard coping strategies specific to
given areas. There is need to develop awareness raising strategies for information
dissemination on the phenomenon.
6.1.LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The report was undertaken in Lusaka District only, hence its findings are limited and
cannot be generalized across other towns of Zambia. To overcome this, there is need
to carry out similar studies across other towns in Zambia.
Some respondents who were selected were illiterate to the extent that they could
neither read nor write on the questionnaires, thus the researcher had to read and write
on their behalf.
Time was also inadequate and this encounter did not allow the researcher to build a
strong rapport with the research community. There in need for more time allocation.
17
REFERENCES
Banyolo, A. & Muchinda, M.(1995) STREET VENDORS IN LUSAKA. Lusaka: ZEPH.
ECZ, (2005). State of the Environment. Lusaka: ECZ.
MAFF (2000). Central Statistic Office. Lusaka: Statistics Bulletin.
Yamba F. D (1999). UNFCCC NAPA Study, Collection of Data. Lusaka: Nipa College.
18
QUESTIONNARES
Appendix I
Q No. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1 Gender of the respondent
Male Female
2. How long have you lived in this township
less than 5 years
between 5 and 10 years
over 10 year
3. What is your occupation
Miner
Teacher
Nurse or Doctor
Farmer
Self- employment
Others specify………………………………………………….
4. What is your monthly income
less than K500
K500 to K1,000
K1,000 to K2,000
K2,000 to K5,000
More than K5,000
5. Do you socially benefit from Street Vending activities in the following ways
Yes No Don’tknow
Job creation
source of income
Shelter
Source of food
health care services
recreation services such as sports
Others specify……………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………..
19
……………………………………………………………………..
6. (a) What are the negative effects of street vending
Yes No
unplanned settlement
increase in population
increase in prostitution
increase in crime
poor social services
moral decay
7. What are the major reasons for vending?.
Orphaned
Unemployment
Leisure
Lack of Capital
Others specify………………………………………..
8. Has the number of street vending Activities increased in the past one (1) year?
Yes No
10. Do you receive any information about the negative impacts of street vending its
effects?
Yes No
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
20
