Street trading of cassava leaves as an economic survival strategy for vulnerable households in the town of Kananga

Abstract

Street trading of cassava leaves, which Joseph KI-ZERBO describes as “the activity of the forgotten in the economy”, represents an essential source of livelihood for many households engaged in it. This study aimed to assess the extent to which this activity contributes to improving the precarious living conditions of the vendors involved. Specifically, it examined the mode of operation, profitability, and impact of this trade on the household budget of those engaged in it within the city of Kananga. To achieve these objectives, data were collected, processed, and analyzed, yielding the following results: this is a mobile trade carried out through movement from one location to another. Out of a total of 250 respondents, 66% stated that they practice this activity on a mobile basis, moving from place to place to sell their products. Furthermore, 71.60% considered the activity profitable. However, this profitability remains insufficient to cover all planned household expenses such as housing, clothing, medical care, school fees, and food. Nevertheless, 57.20% of the respondents acknowledged that this activity has a real impact on their household budget, as it constitutes their main source of income, enabling them to generate revenue to meet daily expenses. The estimated Logit model revealed overall significance at the 5% level, with variables such as housing occupancy status, procurement mode, profitability, and income source being those that explain this significance.