By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Climate change continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods globally, with street vendors being among the most affected. These entrepreneurs, who form a significant part of the informal economy, are often vulnerable to extreme weather events such as prolonged rainfall, which negatively impacts their daily operations and income.
For street vendors, rainfall poses a direct threat to their businesses. Many operate in open-air markets or along busy streets with minimal or no shelter, leaving them and their goods exposed to the elements. When heavy rains occur, vendors often have no choice but to pack up and seek refuge, losing valuable selling time. For those dealing in perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, or cooked meals, the rain can lead to product spoilage, reducing their profits further.
Rainy weather also deters customers, as most people prefer to stay indoors, reducing foot traffic and daily sales. This sudden drop in income is a harsh reality for vendors who rely on daily earnings to meet basic needs such as food, rent, and school fees for their children.
The effects of rainfall extend beyond immediate sales. Many street vendors are forced to invest in protective gear such as umbrellas, tarpaulins, and waterproof coverings to shield their goods from damage. These additional costs eat into their already limited profit margins. Inadequate drainage systems in urban areas exacerbate the situation, as streets become flooded and inaccessible, further hindering their ability to trade.
Prolonged exposure to rain increases the risk of health problems for street vendors, including colds, pneumonia, and other waterborne diseases. For women vendors, who often work long hours under these harsh conditions, the burden is particularly heavy as they juggle caregiving roles at home.
Moreover, rainy seasons often bring with them safety concerns. Slippery roads and muddy walkways pose hazards for both vendors and their customers. In extreme cases, flash floods can damage stalls and inventory, leaving vendors with no means to earn a living.
In an interview with Informative Newspaper, several street vendors shared their stories on how rainfall affects their day to day businesses noting;
“When it rains, customers don’t come out. Sometimes I don’t make a single sale the whole day,” says Thabo, a fruit vendor in Maseru.
“Water damages my stock, and I can’t afford to replace it all the time,” shares Mpho, who sells second-hand clothes.
“My stall is made of wood and plastic sheets. I am always afraid it will collapse during storms,” says Lerato, a street vendor Ha Tsolo.
“After heavy rains, the prices of vegetables go up because they spoil easily,” says Palesa, a frequent market shopper.
“Street vending is particularly vulnerable to climate changes, impacting household incomes for many families,” notes Tumelo a customer.
While the challenges are significant, many street vendors demonstrate resilience by finding innovative ways to adapt. Some collaborate to rent spaces in covered markets, while others adjust their trading hours to align with weather patterns. Organizations and local governments can also play a vital role by investing in better infrastructure, such as covered marketplaces and proper drainage systems, to create a more conducive environment for vendors to operate, rain or shine.
Street vendors are vital contributors to urban economies, yet they face growing challenges from climate change. Policymakers, urban planners, and civil society organizations must prioritize their needs, recognizing their vulnerability to extreme weather conditions like rainfall. By providing access to shelters, climate-resilient infrastructure, and affordable financial services, we can ensure that this critical segment of the economy thrives even in the face of changing climates.
In the end, addressing the impact of climate change on street vendors is not just about protecting livelihoods but also about fostering inclusive and sustainable urban development.