CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

This chapter comprises of the research context and problems. The research questions, objectives and hypothesis are also inclusive not forgetting the justification for choosing this topic. The significance, scope and delimitation of the study is exposed in this chapter. Conclusively, the chapter presents the general introduction and organization of the dissertation.

1.0 Background to the Study

Roadside vending is a growing informal economy sector, providing livelihood sustenance for millions worldwide. Vendors leverage strategic roadside locations to sell diverse goods and services, injecting vitality into local economies (Mbah, 2024). This entrepreneurial pursuit has become a cornerstone of survival for many, particularly in developing countries where formal employment opportunities are scarce. The significance of roadside vending extends beyond economic benefits, as it empowers marginalized communities, women, and youth to transcend poverty. By providing a platform for income generation, roadside vending fosters financial inclusion, food security, and socio-economic mobility (Nkengla, 2024; Kariuki, 2023). Moreover, roadside vending has become an integral part of urban and rural landscapes, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of vendors in the face of adversity.

As roadside vending continues to grow in importance, it necessitates supportive policies and infrastructure to optimize its contributions to sustainable livelihoods. Recent studies emphasize the need for governments and stakeholders to recognize the value of roadside vending, providing vendors with access to training, credit facilities, and social services (Tafah, 2023; World Bank, 2023; ILO, 2024). By doing so, roadside vending can be transformed into a vibrant and sustainable sector, promoting economic growth, social inclusion, and poverty reduction.

This perception has resulted in conflicts with urban authorities over licensing, taxation, site of operation, sanitation and working conditions. (Caroline, 2008) noted in her publication of road trade in the world. A review-Wiego (2020), noted that millions of people throughout the world still make their living partly or wholly through selling goods on the streets despite the advantages in modern retailing.

In Africa, mainstream economists are perceived as lacking an understanding of roadside vending, and hence its lack of coverage in economic measurement in all the countries and cities covered (Constantine, 2022). Even the local authorities who collect substantial revenue from the sector do not maintain records of the numbers and the contribution of the sector to urban economy. This implies that the local authorities cannot adequately plan since they have no representative statistics of the sector. The negligence of the roadside vending activities has resulted in the lack of accurate estimates of the numbers of roadside traders. In 1999 road based workers in Kenya were estimated to number 416 294. This accounted for 5.2% of the non-agricultural labour force of which women were 3.9 % (Mitutah, 2023). This situation shows that roadside vending has a significant contribution in the urban and national economy of African counties.   Although it has been argued that vending attracts those with limited opportunities for obtaining prestigious businesses, and minimizes chances of social exclusion and marginalization; roadside trade is increasingly becoming an option for many citizens. It is no longer limited to lower social groups especially the underprivileged who carve out a living in an environment full of harassment by urban authorities.  (Cohen, 2020). Researches have been carried out on former roadside trader’s perception and their experience in the activity in the city of Johannesburg. The result of the findings demonstrated that former road traders used roadside trading as an entry to the city and formal labor market. The findings also draw on the role that road traders played as a safety net during crisis. Mutandwa (2011) in his findings noted roadside vending activities-World Bank Document and report, shows that roadside vending is an important  source  of  income  and  employment.  Vending provides  an  opportunity that minimizes the impact of social exclusion from any urban residents. In most African cities, roadside vending is rampant, and it is a source of employment and income to many urban dwellers. However, in most countries, it is unaccounted and unrecognized in national economic statistics (ACCRON, 2011).

In Cameroon, roadside vending is not only seen as one of the options for earning a living in the face of increasing poverty, but it is also viewed as having a huge capacity to offset urban unemployment and poverty alleviation. In Cameroon, the activity has become very rampant across the national territory. Nearly all regions and towns including villages in Cameroon depend on this activity for livelihood sustainability by averagely income earners. This is because this activity does not require much start-up capital and does not equally require any educational qualification (Jimu, 2018). In the North West Region of Cameroon, roadside vending is one of the most important business activities where people are involved due to limited jobs opportunities. In North West Region especially in Fundong Sub-Division roadside vending has become a full job opportunity to the citizens where about 79% of the population involved in the road side vending so as to meet up with their livelihood sustenance (Khumo,2012

1.1 Statement of the Research Problem

Roadside vending is a significant economic activity in many urban and semi-urban areas, including the Fundong subdivision. Understanding the stakeholders involved in this form of commerce is crucial for grasping its socio-economic dynamics. Stakeholders may include vendors, local government authorities, customers, and community organizations. Each of these groups plays a unique role in shaping the roadside vending landscape. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding which specific stakeholders are actively engaged in this sector in Fundong. Identifying these stakeholders will provide insight into the collaborative and competitive dynamics that influence roadside vending practices.

Additionally, understanding the operational dynamics of roadside vending in Fundong is essential for a comprehensive analysis. Vendors operate in a unique environment that is shaped by local regulations, market demand, and community relationships. These operational elements include the sourcing of goods, pricing strategies, and customer interactions. However, there is limited documentation on how these operations unfold in Fundong specifically. This research aims to illuminate the day-to-day practices of roadside vendors, shedding light on both challenges and opportunities they face in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

The sustainability of roadside vending is another critical aspect that warrants investigation. In many communities, including Fundong, roadside vending serves as a vital source of income for many individuals and families. It helps sustain the livelihoods of vendors and contributes to local economies. However, the exact mechanisms through which roadside vending supports the population in Fundong remain poorly understood. This research will explore how roadside vending acts as a financial lifeline for many residents, examining the economic benefits it provides and how it impacts the overall quality of life in the subdivision. Vendors often serve as community hubs, fostering social interaction and cohesion among residents. However, the challenges they face can strain these social networks and impact community well-being. Understanding the balance between the economic benefits and social implications of roadside vending is crucial for developing effective interventions that support vendors while promoting community resilience. In light of these complexities, this research aims to address the following questions: What are the economic contributions of roadside vending to the livelihoods of individuals in Fundong Municipality? What social roles do these vendors play within their communities? What specific challenges do they encounter in their daily operations, and how do these challenges affect their livelihoods? By investigating these questions, this study seeks to provide valuable insights that can inform policymakers, community leaders, and development practitioners in creating supportive environments for roadside vendors. Ultimately, this research aspires to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable framework for informal economic activities in Fundong Municipality and similar contexts.

In Fundong Sub-Division found in Boyo Division realized the importance of roadside vending to urban economies and have started conducting researches in the sector for appraisal of its socio-economic contribution in poverty alleviation. Fundong Sub-Division in the in the North West Region where this research work was conducted is still to fully understand the socio-economic value of roadside trade vending on the population. This warrant Therefore, research attention is on roadside vending and livelihood sustenance in Fundong Sub-Division

1.3 Research Questions

The research questions for this study is divided in to two, the main research question and the specific questions.

1.3.1 Main Research Questions

How does roadside vending contribute to livelihood sustenance in Fundong   Sub-Division?

• Specific Questions

1. Which stakeholders are involved in roadside vending in Fundong Sub-Division?
2. How does roadside vending operate in Fundong Sub-Division?
3. How does roadside vending sustain the people in Fundong Sub-Division?
4. To investigate on the pedagogic relevant of roadside vendors and livelihood sustenance in Fundong sub-Division

1.4 Research Objectives

The Research objective for this study is divided in to two, the main research objectives and the specific objectives.

1.4.1 Main Research Objective

To examine how roadside vending contribute to livelihood sustenance in some quarters in

Fundong Sub-Division.

• Specific Objectives

1. To examine howstakeholders are involved in roadside vending in Fundong Sub-Division
2. To examine how roadside vending operate in Fundong Sub-Division
3. To examine how roadside vending sustain the people in Fundong Sub-Division
4. To investigate on the pedagogic relevant of roadside vendors and livelihood sustenance in Fundong sub-Division