Businessglobal-economy
Informal food vendors: The invisible backbone of the global food system
Walk through almost any urban or rural area in a low-income or middle-income country, and you will encounter informal food vendors. From mobile carts and bicycle sellers to neighborhood kiosks, these entrepreneurs form the foundation of everyday nourishment and economic survival for millions of people. Food systems globally employ an estimated 1.23 billion people, with the vast majority of these jobs operating informally. Unlicensed and unregistered, these vendors are far from marginal; they serve as a critical linchpin for food security and livelihoods across developing nations.