Street vending of traditional and indigenous food and the potential contribution to household income, food security and dietary diversity: the case of Gaborone, Botswana

Street vending of traditional and indigenous food (TIF) remains mainly unexplored on its potential for livelihoods, food and nutrition security. This study explored street vending of TIF and its contribution to income, food security and dietary diversity among households of TIF vendors in Gaborone. This study applied an explanatory sequential mixed methods design in which structured interviews were conducted with 27 street vendors, followed by three focus group discussions with 18 vendors. Quantitative data show a positive correlation between monthly income from the sale of TIF and overall household income (r = 0.594, P = .004) and between the number of TIF varieties for sale and household dietary diversity (r = 0.558, P = .002). Qualitative findings confirmed the vital contribution of selling TIF to household income but further highlighted opportunities and challenges regarding supply chains of TIF to leverage the potential benefits of TIF toward improved household income, more nutritious and sustainable diets.