LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES OF STREET HAWKERS IN NIGERIA: TYPES, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Street hawking constitutes an important component of Nigeria's informal economy, serving as a critical livelihood strategy for many individuals and households confronted with poverty, unemployment, and limited access to formal employment opportunities. Despite its economic significance, street hawking is associated with numerous socioeconomic, regulatory, and occupational challenges that undermine the welfare and productivity of hawkers while posing concerns for urban governance. This study examined the livelihood strategies of street hawkers in Nigeria, with particular reference to the Ibadan metropolis, by identifying the major types of street hawking, analysing the livelihood strategies adopted by hawkers, examining the challenges affecting their economic activities, and exploring opportunities for improving their livelihoods. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design using a structured questionnaire and field observations to collect data from 120 purposively selected street hawkers operating across selected commercial locations within the study area. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques complemented with qualitative narrative interpretation. The findings indicate that street hawkers rely on diverse livelihood strategies, including business diversification, personal savings, social support networks, and emerging digital marketing practices to sustain their enterprises. However, their activities are constrained by inconsistent regulatory policies, limited access to credit, inadequate social protection, occupational health risks, insecurity, and social stigmatization. Despite these constraints, street hawking continues to generate employment, stimulate local economic activities, and provide affordable goods and services to urban residents. The study concludes that street hawking remains an indispensable survival mechanism within Nigeria's informal economy and should be recognised through inclusive urban policies rather than punitive regulatory approaches. It recommends the development of supportive regulatory frameworks, improved access to microfinance and business development services, designated vending spaces, and comprehensive social protection programmes to enhance the livelihoods and economic resilience of street hawkers while promoting sustainable urban development.