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Urban Informal Food Traders: A Rapid Qualitative Study of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Teurai Rwafa-Ponela

    (SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science—PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

  • Susan Goldstein

    (SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science—PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

  • Petronell Kruger

    (SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science—PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

  • Agnes Erzse

    (SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science—PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

  • Safura Abdool Karim

    (SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science—PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

  • Karen Hofman

    (SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science—PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

Abstract

Globally, the adoption of COVID-19 containment measures, such as lockdowns, have been used to curb the rapid spread of the pandemic. However, these action regulations have caused substantial challenges to livelihoods. We explored the perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 implications for urban informal food traders in South Africa during the initial lockdown period that lasted five weeks. A rapid qualitative study was conducted during October–November 2020. Twelve key informants (seven men and five women) categorized into informal traders and food system expert groups were interviewed. Data were analyzed thematically using MAXQDA software. Participants perceived informal trading as a main source of livelihood for many individuals. Negative lockdown impacts described included forced business closure, increased food costs and reduced demand. The consensus among participants was that the government’s lack of formal recognition for informal food traders pre-COVID-19 contributed to challenges they faced during the pandemic, as evidenced by their exclusion as “essential service providers’’ at the start of lockdown. Policies that fail to recognize and consider informal food traders during ‘normal’ times lead to widened social inequality gaps among already vulnerable groups during natural disasters and disease outbreaks. In the case of COVID-19 in South Africa, this caused severe hunger, food insecurity and income loss.

Suggested Citation

  • Teurai Rwafa-Ponela & Susan Goldstein & Petronell Kruger & Agnes Erzse & Safura Abdool Karim & Karen Hofman, 2022. "Urban Informal Food Traders: A Rapid Qualitative Study of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:2294-:d:751911
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Castine Dane G. Saquing & Zameya Kryzel T. Bongtiwon & Princess Luisa Micaela C. Florendo & Jairuce Celine L. Agustin & Clifford Allen James A. Nullada & Diane M. Olavidez, 2026. "Level of Adaptability of Street Food Vendors to Challenges and Perceived Level of Effectiveness of Coping Mechanisms: A Basis for Government Policy Recommendations," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(14), pages 803-838, January.
    3. Bagas Aditya & Ikhwan Amri, 2023. "Rethinking Informal Economy Resilience during Crisis: Experience from COVID-19 Pandemic," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 66(3), pages 711-737, September.
    4. Canwat, Vincent, 2024. "COVID-19 lockdown: The triple effects on gender-based violence," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 35(C).
    5. Marc C. A. Wegerif, 2024. "Street traders’ contribution to food security: lessons from fresh produce traders’ experiences in South Africa during Covid-19," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 16(1), pages 115-131, February.
    6. Sophie PLAGERSON & Senzelwe MTHEMBU & Thandi SIMELANE & Khuliso MATIDZA & Anita MWANDA, 2023. "The local economic development effects of income transfers in South Africa. The Social Relief of Distress grant," Working Paper 32d74b80-0ef5-416c-aa00-d, Agence française de développement.

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