Operations of Street Food Vendors and Their Impact on Sustainable Life in Rural Nigeria

In recent times, streetfood vending has become source of livelihood to some urban dwellers and has offered economic benefits to vendors and nutritious foods for the urban dwellers, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the operations and existence of street food vending in Nsukka urban area and examine its effects on sustainable life.. Demographic profiles of vendors, their food safety knowledge, constraints in proper handling practices, the emergence of street food vending, its socioeconomic impact, nature and problems facing street food vendors and their impact on sustainable life were assessed using a closed ended questionnaire. It was found that street food vendors have existed in Nsukka urban area overtime and their emergence was consequent upon the quest for a better life. Also, street food vending has impacted positively on sustainable life in the area through being a source of employment and provision of essential services to the dwellers.