Title: Mapping the invisible : the informal food economy of Cape Town, South Africa /
Authors: Battersby, Jane, 1975-; Mngqibisa, Ncedo; Marshak, Maya
Year: 2016
Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) South Africa Cape Town.; Food industry and trade South Africa Cape Town.; Street-food vendors South Africa Cape Town.; Food industry and trade; Informal sector (Economics); Street-food vendors; South Africa Cape Town
Abstract: This report argues that it is essential to understand the dynamics of the informal food retail sector because of its vital role in ensuring greater access to food by the urban poor. Existing policy frameworks to address food security and to govern the informal sector tend to neglect informal retail in the food system. As a result, the sector is poorly understood. The report therefore attempts to identify the characteristics of the sector that impact on its ability to address the food needs of the neighbourhoods in which the businesses are located. Although the research is focused on Cape Town, the findings are of broader relevance.
Contents: 1. Introduction -- 2. Methodology -- 3. Informal food and household food security -- 4. The informal retail environment -- 5. Business strategies of informal food vendors -- 6. Business challenges in the informal food economy -- 7. Policies towards informal food retail -- 8. Policy recommendations.