Abstract

MAHOPO, T.C.; NESAMVUMI, C.N.; NESAMVUMI, A.E.  and  VAN NIEKERK, J.A.. Perceptions of Street Food Vendors on the Determinants of Competitiveness of their Enterprises in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. S Afr. Jnl. Agric. Ext. [online]. 2025, vol.53, n.5, pp.183-206. ISSN 2413-3221.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2025/v53n5a21403.

The study investigated street food vendors' perception of socioeconomic attributes as determinants of their competitiveness in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Porter's Diamond Model was used as a framework for the analysis of this study. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among street food vendors selling ready-to-eat foods in Vhembe district towns. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit 511 street food vendors (age range 18-75 years). Descriptive analysis was used to summarise the demographic results. Participants' perceptions of 46 factors, including those that enhance or constrain competitive performance, were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Over 90% of the participants were women, unmarried, aged 35-44, and had a high school education. The chance (3.60±1.23), production (3.62±0.76), and government role (3.50±1.23) factor conditions received the highest overall determinant ratings, while related industries (3.34±1.11), demand condition (3.26±1.38), and firm structure, strategy, and rivalry (3.22±1.38) received the lowest. Perceptions included the importance of government authorities' innovative policy formulations at the local level to accommodate and provide space and facilities for street vendors through town planning, as well as empowerment programs for women and youth street vendors, and safety nets. This study advocates for a new valuing of the informal sector to recognise and build on its mode of operation and critical contributions to society.

Keywords : Perceptions; Street Food Vendors; Competitiveness; Women Enterprises.

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