Abstract:
The study sought to investigate the determinants of street food consumption in low income residential
areas in Harare, Zimbabwe. This study was motivated by an observation that open eating spots in the low
income residential townships are popular with patrons of seemingly high social standing. The study also sought
to establish strategies for improving such places, from the perspective of both the clients and the vendors. The
study was carried out using qualitative methods of collecting data, namely interviews and observations. The
data was analyzed using a thematic approach. The major findings were that the high consumption of streetprepared
food was due to the quest for cultural identity expressed in consuming traditional dishes, the desire to
fulfill psychological needs such as self esteem, love and sense of belonging, social recognition as expressed in
material possessions and the relaxation provided by the setting, flexibility and convenience. With regards to
strategies on improving the facility, vendors suggested that the practice of food vending be legalized, while
patrons suggested that the general hygiene and cleanliness of the place should be enhanced. Since food is a key
component of the tourism industry, the findings of the study were used to design a framework which can be used
to guide the development of street food vending, so that mutual benefits could accrue to the vendors as well as
the tourism and hospitality industry at large.
