Search Results (140)

Traditional wet markets are critical components of Indonesia’s urban food system, yet remain largely unexamined from an occupational health and safety (OHS) perspective. This study identified and prioritized OHS risks among vendors and visitors at Nanggalo Market, a high-density traditional market in Padang, West Sumatra. This was an exclusively qualitative, descriptive, non-probability (purposive) study; no actual occupational accidents, injuries, or exposure incidents were evaluated, and risk levels reflect participants’ perceptions together with researchers’ triangulated observations rather than objective incident records. An observational qualitative design combined elicitation surveys with 45 participants (20 vendors, 20 visitors, 5 market managers), direct observation, and in-depth interviews with 7 key informants. Risk assessment followed the AS/NZS 4360:2004 matrix, classifying risks by likelihood and consequence severity based on participant- and researcher-perceived evidence rather than recorded incident data. Ten potential hazards were identified across six activity zones: traffic and parking; buying and selling; culinary activities; building structures and floor conditions; security and stray animals; and emergency access. Seven risks were classified as high-level, including slipping on wet floors, lack of evacuation routes, lack of fire extinguishers, narrow circulation paths, poor toilet conditions, crowding, and traffic injuries, while three were moderate. All high-level risks lacked adequate controls. Recommended interventions span the full hierarchy of controls, prioritizing engineering and administrative measures, and propose community-based occupational health posts as a sustainable mechanism. These findings provide an evidence base for strengthening OHS governance in traditional wet markets across Indonesia and comparable low- and middle-income country settings. Full article

This study investigates how smallholder farmers and vendors in Piracicaba, Brazil, navigate the tensions between standardized spatial governance and heterogeneous livelihood strategies in the rural–urban transition. Based on 25 semi-structured interviews with participants in municipal open-air markets (varejões), we analyze how policies implemented by the Municipal Secretariat of Agriculture and Food Supply (SEMA), including rigid price controls, mandatory MEI registration, and inflexible infrastructure rules, clash with the realities of organic, family-based, and mixed production systems. The findings reveal that SEMA’s one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for real production costs, quality differentiation, and informal cooperation, thereby penalizing innovation and marginalizing vulnerable producers. Rather than passive recipients, vendors actively resist and reshape governance through income diversification, informal cooperatives, direct sales, and ethical redefinitions of agricultural work. We argue that effective spatial governance must move beyond technical standardization and instead recognize productive heterogeneity and local agency as central to sustainable rural–urban transitions. This Brazilian case offers a critical counterpoint to top-down models and underscores the need for flexible, participatory, and context-sensitive policy design. Full article

Urban marketplaces are increasingly recognised in European policy debates as multifunctional public spaces that extend beyond their traditional economic role. Across the European Union, emerging trends point to a shift towards market models that integrate social interaction, cultural activities, tourism, sustainable food production and place-based urban development, thereby contributing to more inclusive and liveable cities. However, the extent to which such transformations align with local actors’ perspectives and existing governance arrangements remains underexplored, particularly in Central European contexts. This paper evaluates the transformative potential of urban marketplaces as multifunctional public spaces from the perspective of key stakeholders in the City of Zagreb. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a desk analysis of European policy and practice trends with empirical research conducted at the local level. Data were collected through surveys of marketplace users (citizens) and vendors (tenants), complemented by focus groups with other relevant local actors. This approach provides insights into everyday practices, perceived barriers, governance challenges, and future expectations related to marketplace development. The findings reveal a strong alignment between stakeholder perspectives and European policy trends promoting people-centred and multifunctional marketplaces, while also identifying tensions with existing management and governance frameworks. Citizens emphasise the cultural, social, and tourism value of marketplace interactions, whereas vendors and governance actors highlight infrastructure needs and the importance of more participatory governance arrangements. The paper argues that stakeholder-based evaluation of transformative potential is essential for advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban regeneration through urban marketplaces. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity is prevalent in the United States, and although food environments (FEs) may be related to child weight, findings remain inconsistent. This study evaluated neighborhood and home FEs’ associations with children’s weight and explored interactive effects of the neighborhood and home FEs on child weight. We hypothesized that children exposed to less healthy neighborhood and home FEs would have higher weight. Methods: This secondary analysis leveraged baseline data from caregiver–child dyads (n = 115) enrolled in an obesity intervention trial (HABITS). The Modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI) was calculated as the proportion of healthy versus unhealthy food vendors within a 4-mile buffer of participants’ homes using food retailer data from business directories and geographic information systems software. Caregivers reported fruit, vegetable, and sugary beverage availability at home. Child weight was measured and used to determine weight-for-age z-scores (WAZs). Linear regression models were used to examine neighborhood FE, home FE, and their interactions as predictors of child WAZs. Results: Participants were majority non-Hispanic Black (77%) with household incomes of <$30,000/year (73%). Children were 3.0 ± 1.0 years old. Child WAZs were negatively associated with home fruit availability (β = −0.07, 95% CI: −0.14 to −0.01, p = 0.02), with no associations observed for the neighborhood FE or other home FE factors and no interaction between neighborhood and home FEs on weight. Conclusions: There were no significant associations between neighborhood FEs and weight among young children, while within the home FE, only the availability of fruit was associated with child weight. Full article

Background/Objectives: Street and restaurant foods constitute a major component of daily diets in low-resource settings due to their affordability, accessibility, and convenience. However, they are frequently characterised by high sodium content, posing significant public health risks, particularly for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Empirical data on sodium levels in Nigerian street and restaurant foods remain limited. This study assessed the sodium content of commonly consumed street and restaurant foods in Kano and Ogun States and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria using a multilevel analytical framework. Methods: A total of 2583 food samples were collected from street vendors and three categories of restaurants (self-service, quick-service, and hotel restaurants) between August and October 2024. Sodium concentration was measured using a validated digital salt meter. In all three states, rice-based dishes were the most commonly available street and restaurant foods. Results: More than half (55.4%) were classified as high-sodium (>600 mg/100 g), while only 4.1% were classified as low-sodium (<120 mg/100 g). Median sodium content was highest in the FCT (720 mg/100 g), followed by Kano (650 mg/100 g) and Ogun (600 mg/100 g). Soups and stews had the highest median sodium levels (1360 mg/100 g), with several traditional dishes exceeding 1000 mg/100 g. Multilevel mixed-effects modelling demonstrated that sodium exposure was driven primarily by food type (p < 0.001) and vendor environment (p = 0.009), rather than geographic location (state effect: p = 0.217), indicating structurally embedded issues with sodium content throughout the Nigerian food system. Conclusions: These findings support multilevel sodium reduction interventions targeting high-sodium food categories, vendor preparation practices, and strengthened surveillance to monitor progress toward World Health Organization population sodium reduction targets. Full article

This study examines the structural relationships among vendor competency, perceived sanitation and safety, high-value gastronomy experiences, and behavioral intentions in Bangkok’s street food tourism. Using survey data and PLS-SEM, the results indicate that vendor competency significantly enhances both perceived sanitation and safety and high-value gastronomy experiences. Perceived sanitation and safety further strengthens experiential value and partially mediates this relationship. However, contrary to conventional expectations, high-value gastronomy experiences exhibit a significant negative effect on behavioral intentions, suggesting a novelty-seeking paradox in exploratory tourism contexts. This study contributes in three ways: (1) by positioning vendor competency as a foundational driver of experiential value in informal food settings, (2) by integrating sanitation and safety into experiential value formation, and (3) by challenging the linear satisfaction–loyalty assumption through evidence of paradoxical tourist behavior. The findings offer theoretical and managerial implications for gastronomy tourism and destination management. Full article

Street food is a fundamental part of the diet for millions of people, especially in Mexico, standing out for its accessibility, cost, and connection to culinary culture. Street food represents a practical alternative for the population and economic benefits for those who sell it. However, its preparation and sale can involve microbiological health hazards if proper hygiene conditions and practices are not applied during the handling, storage, and sale of products. Studies in Mexico have shown the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in street food, including coliform bacteria, Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, among others, capable of causing foodborne illnesses. Therefore, this narrative review provides information available in various databases on street food, foodborne illnesses, causative agents, contaminants, and prevention measures. This study focuses on the Mexican context, including the socioeconomic relevance of these foods, microbiological contaminant hazards, prevention, and the regulatory framework. Although regulations and actions are in place for these foods, challenges remain related to food hygiene education for food handlers, microbiological surveillance of food, and the wide variety of products and sales outlets. Strengthening collaboration among authorities, academia, vendors, and consumers is essential to promote the availability of safe food and protect public health. Full article

Game meat supply chains create variable safety risks and economic benefits across traders, yet research often focuses on hunters or consumers while overlooking meat preparation and processing roles. This study examines how zoonotic disease exposure, precautionary behaviors, and economic returns vary across hunters, vendors, and restaurant workers within the game meat trade in Cross River State, Nigeria. Between January 2023 and April 2024, we conducted 91 annual and 760 monthly interviews with 91 actors, including hunters, vendors, and restaurant workers, documenting handling practices, hygienic precautions, risk perceptions, and income derived from the game meat trade. Hunters reported the highest levels of direct contact with high-risk meat states and the lowest use of hygienic precautions. Vendors generated higher income than other actors, while hunters reported lower economic dependence on game meat than either vendors or restaurants. These findings demonstrate that game meat safety risks and livelihood benefits are distributed unevenly across value chains. Recognizing these asymmetries is essential for designing food safety interventions and policies that protect public health and anticipate differential impacts on livelihoods. Full article

The digital transformation of agriculture has generated vast heterogeneous datasets from sensors, machinery, and administrative systems; however, interoperability and data sovereignty remain critical challenges. This study presents an IDS-compliant Agricultural Data Space tailored to the Italian context, integrating regulatory frameworks (General Data Protection Regulation, Data Governance Act and Data Act) with the International Data Spaces (IDS) Reference Architecture Model. The study addresses key barriers to data sharing, including technical fragmentation, governance gaps, and economic incentives, by mapping Italian agricultural data flows onto the five-layer IDS model. Policy-based usage control is implemented through machine-enforceable Open Digital Rights Language policies, enabling farmer-centric data sovereignty. Three use cases, namely administrative Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) declarations, machine-generated data portability, and agri-food supply-chain traceability, demonstrate how structured and interoperable data exchange can reduce redundancy, mitigate vendor lock-in, and support sustainable agri-food systems. The findings highlight the feasibility of IDS-driven solutions in real-world agricultural ecosystems, emphasizing the need for sector-specific policy templates and scalable governance mechanisms. This work contributes to the development of the Common European Agricultural Data Space by bridging institutional, technical, and regulatory gaps. Full article

While substantial literature exists on COVID-19’s effects on businesses, long-term recovery strategies and support systems for informal female-owned enterprises in secondary cities are underexplored. The study sought to qualitatively examine the gendered impacts of COVID-19 on informal food businesses owned by women in Kenya. Qualitative interviews with 80 participants, including key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions in Kisumu, Kenya, were conducted. The study found that the pandemic significantly disrupted the livelihoods of female vendors, leading to changes in the market and household organization, including gender specific transformations. The women adopted some individual and collective strategies as part of the post-pandemic recovery strategies to enhance their resilience in business. The study findings shed light on the vulnerabilities of informal food businesses in secondary cities to emergencies and the need for targeted policies to support informal economies during crises. Full article

Background: Informal Street food vending plays a vital role in urban food systems by supporting livelihoods and improving access to affordable meals. Despite this contribution, persistent food hygiene and safety challenges continue to threaten public health and business sustainability. Existing research largely frames hygiene as a regulatory compliance issue, with limited empirical attention to how hygiene practices are associated with enterprise performance. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), this study examined the relationship between food hygiene and safety practices, behavioural compliance, and business sustainability among informal food vendors. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used, combining vendor interviews (n = 30) and structured stall observations (n = 30). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results: Only 50% of vendors held a valid Certificate of Acceptability (COA), despite 83% reporting prior inspections. Vendors operating for over seven years were significantly more likely to be certified (χ² = 8.23, p = 0.005), and certification was strongly associated with regulatory awareness (χ² = 16.12, p < 0.001). Although 70% reported awareness and 77% prior hygiene training, gaps persisted in sanitation, pest control, and consistent hygiene practices. Compliance was significantly associated with gender and education level (p < 0.05), as well as business duration and inspection history. Female vendors and those with at least secondary education were more likely to practice good hygiene, including the use of protective gear (χ² = 13.89, p = 0.008) and regular handwashing. Hygiene practices were also significantly linked to sustainability indicators aligned with Balanced Scorecard domains, including staffing levels, income categories, and operational duration (p < 0.05). Vendors employing more staff reported higher income, and visibly hygienic practices were associated with customer loyalty and repeat purchases, highlighting hygiene as both a public health requirement and a driver of business sustainability. Conclusions: The findings indicate that hygiene functions not only as a public health requirement but also as a strategic business asset. Integrating behavioural drivers with performance metrics offers a practical framework for designing interventions that strengthen both public health protection and the sustainability of informal enterprises. Full article

Traditional markets play an important role in the exchange of plant resources and the preservation of traditional food knowledge. This study documents the diversity of food plants traded in Renmin Market, located in Youjiang District, Baise City, Guangxi, China, and evaluates their cultural importance using the Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI). Field surveys were conducted through market observations and interviews with vendors and local informants. All edible plant species were recorded, including their scientific names, vernacular names, used parts, and modes of consumption. A total of 104 food plant taxa were documented, representing a wide range of plant families and growth forms. The recorded plants were used in four main utilization categories: vegetables, spices, fruits, and beverages. Frequently used plant parts included fruits, leaves, shoots, and underground organs such as roots, rhizomes, and tubers. The CFSI values showed considerable variation in cultural importance among species, ranging from 21.6 to 1764. The highest CFSI values were recorded for Cucurbita pepo, Allium cepa, Cucurbita maxima, and Houttuynia cordata, reflecting their frequent consumption and versatility in local cuisine. Comparative analysis with previous studies in Baise City indicated that 38 species were shared among three markets, while 30 species were recorded exclusively in Renmin Market. These findings highlight the diversity of food plants available in local markets and their importance in maintaining regional culinary traditions and plant-based dietary diversity. Full article

Access to quality seed is a critical driver of smallholder productivity and household food security in South Africa, yet rural communities in the Eastern Cape continue to rely heavily on informal seed systems. Limited seed literacy among farmers and vendors is widely recognized as a constraint to the effective selection and use of high-quality seed. The purpose of this study is to assess seed literacy levels among smallholder farmers in KwaMkhiva village and evaluate how knowledge gaps shape farmers’ seed sourcing patterns and access to quality seed. The study hypothesizes that low seed literacy significantly increases reliance on informal seed systems and reduces adoption of certified or improved varieties. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 50 smallholder farmers and 12 informal seedling vendors, complemented by semi-structured interviews with three extension officers. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and a composite Seed Literacy Index (SLI) were employed to assess literacy dimensions and their association with seed choices. Findings show that 49% of farmers rely on local markets and 40% use farm-saved seed, with 75% assessing quality visually rather than through germination or varietal indicators. Only 10% had received any seed-related training, and awareness of seed adaptability and crop rotation was below 20%. Higher SLI scores were positively associated with adoption of certified seed (r = 0.42, p < 0.01) and crop diversification. The study concludes that seed literacy is a critical yet underserved capability that shapes smallholder seed access within dual seed economies. Strengthening farmer-centred seed literacy programmes, revitalising extension services, and supporting community seed banks could enhance access to quality seed and improve smallholder resilience. Full article

Open-air food markets have long functioned as key sites of food provision, social interaction, and local economic exchange in European cities. In recent decades, many of these markets have undergone significant transformation as part of modernization-oriented urban regeneration. This study examines the transformation of Palilula Market in Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, from a traditional open-air market to a large, enclosed market complex, situating the analysis within the post-socialist urban context. Utilizing historical analysis, semi-structured interviews with vendors, and on-site observations, the research examines the impact of spatial reconfiguration on vendor livelihoods, economic practices, and social relations. The results demonstrate that, although the new indoor market has enhanced infrastructure, hygiene, and year-round usability, it has also led to higher rents, reduced stall capacity, increased competition, and stricter regulations. These developments have constrained small-scale vendors and diminished informal social interactions. This study expands the understanding of urban regeneration processes in post-socialist neoliberal contexts by showing how market modernization shapes the inclusivity and socio-cultural significance of traditional urban markets. Full article

Although there is a growing body of literature on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, limited evidence exists on the impact of the pandemic on informal female-owned enterprises, and especially those that are located in urban informal settlements. Based on a quantitative survey of 448 vendors selected through stratified random sampling, this study employed a descriptive design to examine the dynamics of women-led informal food vending enterprises across four informal settlements in Nairobi, with particular emphasis on the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the vendors’ coping strategies. Our findings show that women food vendors face numerous challenges which intensified during the pandemic, leading to increased business operation costs, spoilage of perishable products, and oscillating daily sales and profits due to unpredictable market forces. The vendors adopted various strategies to cushion their enterprises and households, including price and stock adjustments; the implementation of hygiene measures; increased use of mobile phones for transactions; reliance on credit, loans, savings, and social networks; temporary business closures; and the relocation of household members to rural areas. These results underscore the critical need for context-specific strategies to support and foster the resilience and sustainability of informal economies during future global pandemics. This is particularly urgent given that very few vendors received some form of institutional support, in addition to having limited access to business loans and training opportunities. Full article