Implications of Street Trading Activities in Central Business Districts of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Abstract

Street trading poses major socio-economic and environmental dangers. However, street trading and environmental degradation are very rampart due to high increase in the numbers of urban squatters. The research made use of both primary and secondary sources of data. For the primary source of data collection, 105 questionnaire were administered and 100 were retrieved for data analysis and presentation. Interviews with various stakeholders were carried out and personal observation was also included to gather other supplementary information. In the aspect of the secondary data, concerned government agencies such as Ado-Ekiti Local Government Council was contacted, libraries were visited and the internet. The study examined the socio-economic characteristics of street traders as well as the physical/ environmental effects of street trading in the core areas of Ado-Ekiti. The study revealed among others these environmental challenges; high volume of vehicular movement, constant overcrowding at the core areas, and deplorable state of social amenities. The study suggested possible solutions to the challenges posed by the activities of street traders in core areas of Ado-Ekiti with the design of a new ultra-modern market.