Determinants of Street Food Consumption in Low Income Residential Suburbs: The Perspectives of Patrons of KwaMereki in Harare, Zimbabwe.

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.