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Articles

CJRBE: Vol. 7 No.2, Dec. 2019

Physical Planning Implications of Street Vending in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

  • David V. Ogunkan
Submitted
December 21, 2019
Published
2019-12-21

Abstract

Following the observation of the proliferation of informal economic activities in Nigerian urban centres, this study examines the spatial pattern and environmental implications of street vending, the socio-economic characteristics of street vendors and public perceptions of street vending. Instrumentation of data collection includes direct counting, questionnaires and interview. The data was analysed using cross tabulations, structured observation and Mixed Method Content Analysis. The findings from the study show an appreciable number (1,080) of informal structures indiscriminately located along the major roads. The study also confirms the preponderance (44%) of metal containers among fixed vendors. The socio-economics characteristics of street vendors show that they are generally of low educational status, gender imbalanced, dominated by productive and agile young people with a relatively high daily income. The physical planning implications of street vending include; incompatible land uses, building deformations, the menace of temporary structures, change in land use functions, poor waste disposal and environmental eyesores. The study recommends the integration of street vending into urban planning policy to maximise the economic benefits of street vending while minimising its land use and environmental consequences.