Street foods as an important component of nutrient intake in Cameroon

 Street foods as an important component of nutrient intake in Cameroon

              Cameroon is a sub-Saharan African Country commonly called African in miniature, but which faces the challenge of rapid urbanization with its consequent food security problems for many poor urban households. In this context, the street food industry, which is an informal sector for accessible, affordable and ready to eat foods sold on the street, is very vital for the economic and sociocultural prospects.

However, this industry is faced with a high risk of health issues as compared to traditional home meals. Despite of the short comings, the street food sector is economically important, as it creates employment, generates income and act as a food energy support to the urban poor. The sector is actually the major source of food for most people, especially low income earners and the unemployed, thus, serving as a survival strategy adopted by poor urban households in Cameroon.

Since the service is still at an artisanal stage in urban areas, it is urgent to elaborate and implement supportive policies with measurable positive impacts that should improve the welfare and income levels of the micro-entrepreneurs involved. Such policies must consider the main players of all types of street food services .

They include entrepreneurs with stationary outlets in residential areas; and entrepreneurs with an ambulatory distribution system. Policy makers and stakeholders should also consider the health issues related to this food industry, the levers as well as problems of the out- of-home feeding habits.